Ex-Tottenham midfielder Paulinho has been the subject of another transfer approach from Barcelona as the Catalan club continue in their hunt to sign the Brazilian.
With the Chinese transfer window closing in the next few days, Barcelona need to act fast after a €27m offer was rejected outright by Guangzhou Evergrande, who insist the player “is not for sale”, a message they’ve made clear to the Barcelona hierarchy, according to Sport reports.
Neymar on Paulinho: “I hope Paulinho signs for Barça. He is a great friend and a great player, everyone would receive him with open arms.” pic.twitter.com/QKibmEiLsN
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) July 9, 2017
Barcelona turned their attention to the Brazilian international after learning that it would cost a staggering £70m to lure Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti to Spain. Paulinho, a significantly cheaper alternative to PSG’s Italian, has reportedly spoken to manager Felipe Scolari about his desire to join Barcelona but the Brazilian manager is not entertaining the idea of his star midfielder leaving the Tianhe Stadium.
Ceballos rejected being a starter at Barca to be a squad player at Real. In fairness I wouldn’t fancy playing with Paulinho either #RMCF
— Tay?ør (@tayIorsport) July 8, 2017
The 28-year-old was signed by Tottenham in 2013 for an initial fee close to £17m, ending a three-year spell with Brazilian side Corinthians. After an unsuccessful time in North London, Paulinho was snapped up by Chinese Super League side GZ Evergrande in July 2015.
Barcelona could be forced to revert their attention back on Verratti if they fail to secure Paulinho’s signature. The Catalonians have been desperate for a midfielder this summer, especially with the future of Portuguese central midfield star André Gomes uncertain.