Barcelona have had a £22m bid rejected for Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho, reports Sport.
The Brazil international has emerged as a surprise target for the La Liga giants in recent weeks, with Paulinho confirming that Barcelona had made an approach to secure his services.
While the former Tottenham flop admitted he is enjoying life in China and settled in the Far East, the Blaugrana have looked to firm up their interest in Paulinho, only for their opening offer to be rejected.
The 28-year-old signed a new deal for Guangzhou Evergrande earlier this year, with the Chinese Super League side under no pressure to sell.
“Paulinho, who has signed his renewal in January 2017, is an important player for our club in the long run,” Guangzhou Evergrande said in a statement.
“That is why we have given an official response to Barcelona. We reject the club’s offer for Paulinho, it is not in our plans to sell the player. However we want to express our gratitude to Barcelona for having Paulinho in such high esteem.”
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will return with an improved bid, but head coach Ernesto Valverde is keen to bolster the club’s midfield options this summer having been linked with moves for Marco Verratti and Jean Michael Seri.
