Guangzhou Evergrande say they have rejected Barcelona’s bid for midfielder Paulinho.

Paulinho, 28, confirmed last month that his agent had held talks with Barca over a move to Camp Nou this summer.

However, the Chinese club say the Brazil international is not for sale and they have turned down the Catalan side’s offer, though to be in the region of 20 million euros.

“Paulinho only signed a contract renewal in January 2017 and is an important part of the club’s long-term future,” a statement read.

“For that reason, the club has formally rejected Barcelona’s offer for him. We want to express our gratitude to Barcelona for holding him in such high esteem, but we don’t have any plans to sell the midfielder.”

Paulinho joined Guangzhou in 2015 from Tottenham for 14 million euros, having signed for the Premier League side from Corinthians in 2013.

At the time he moved to Spurs, he was also linked with a move to Barca, who have reignited their interest in signing him this summer.