Paulinho: Weighed in with plenty of goals for Livorno last season

Livorno president Aldo Spinelli claims Stoke have expressed an interest in their Brazilian striker Paulinho.

The 28-year-old netted 15 times in 35 Serie A appearances last season to draw admiring glances from afar.

He has been linked with the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Crystal Palace and Southampton in the past, but has spent the last nine years in Italy.

Paulinho has turned out for Livorno in the top two tiers of Italian football, as well as taking in loan spells at Grosetto and Sorrento.

It could be that his next move takes him to England, although Stoke are set to face competition for his signature from Abu Dhabi-based side Al Jazira.

Spinelli told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Al Jazira have already spoken with Paulinho, but Stoke City also want him and there are also a couple of other English clubs.

“We will take the decision which is best for everyone together.

“What I can say is that the negotiations (with AL Jazira) have started and in the coming hours we will know more about this, with everything still open, and talk to the player to work out the best opportunity.”