Brazilian midfielder Paulinho is hopeful he can sign for Barcelona next week, with International team-mate Neymar saying he would be welcomed with open arms - according to reports in Spain.
Catalan giants Barca have been in the market for midfielders all transfer window as they look to regain ground on La Liga Champions Real Madrid, and have identified Guangzhou Evergrande middle-man Paulinho as a possible options.
The Liga side had a £17 million offer for the former-Spurs man rejected earlier in the week by the Chinese outfit, but the Brazilian is keen on a move.
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Paulinho told Mundo Deportivo: 'It is a unique opportunity for me to be able to play in Barça, the best team in the world and surrounded by the best players.
'I have to talk to my president, since I got the proposal of Barça I have not stopped thinking about it and I am waiting for this week to resolve everything.'
Paulinho's upturn in form has also seen him re-enter the international picture, turning out regularly once again for the Brazilian national team.
The midfielder scored a hat-trick in a World Cup Qualification game against Uruguay in March and has featured four times for them this year.
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If a move was to come to fruition, compatriot Neymar insists that Paulinho will be received with open arms by the Blaugrana.
Neymar told Sport: 'I hope Paulinho signs for Barça. He is a friend and a great player, everyone would receive him with open arms.
'He's got great quality, everyone has seen what he can do when he plays for the national team.'
It remains to be seen if Paulinho would provide Barcelona with the quality to topple Real Madrid once again though.
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They look set to miss out on U21 International Dani Ceballos of Real Betis to their fierce rivals, who have strengthened their squad with the additions of Theo Hernandez and Jesus Vallejo.
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