Barcelona forward Neymar spotted in London with Formula One star Lewis Hamilton and NFL ace Odell Beckham Jnr

BARCELONA have been anything but at their fluent best in recent weeks, struggling past Leganes at home following a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

But Brazilian forward Neymar, 25, is hoping some rest and relaxation in London will be just the ticket.

The Barca ace has been snapped around the English capital ahead of Sunday's crucial away clash with Atletico Madrid.

Keep up to date with ALL the Barcelona news, gossip and transfers on our club page.

Both sides are itching to close the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid, with the match at the Vicente Calderon the epitome of a six-pointer.

But Neymar has not been going it alone in London, meeting up with Formula One star Lewis Hamilton and NFL ace Odell Beckham Jnr.

New York Giants star Beckham had earlier posted a snap on his own Instagram, where he hilariously joked about a failed basketball career, while resting on his knees.

Earlier in the day the Brazil forward had posted a picture of himself and a friend - with a famous red bus in the background, a clear giveaway as to his location - and later one of a Union Flag.

Neymar and his Barcelona team-mates are enjoying some time away from the Nou Camp as results in recent weeks have suffered.

It would now seem boss Luis Enrique is intent of giving his stars some time to relax ahead of this weekend's crunch game.

For Neymar himself, it is serving as a good distraction, after he lost an appeal over tax charges in Spain this week.

The Brazilian, Barcelona and former club Santos all stand trial on fraud and corruption charges relating to his transfer after their appeals were rejected by Spain's High Court on Monday.