Barcelona are going all out to sign Paulinho. SPORT have confirmed that the club are presenting their second and definitive offer to Guangzhou Evergrande to sign the midfielder. After the Chinese side rejected a first offer of 20m euros, half his release fee, Barcelona are raising their offer to 25m plus two in add ons based on performance and titles.

Barcelona will explain to Guangzhou directors that this is the final offer and they will not go higher. They consider it a fair price for a Brazil starter who turns 29 this month.

OPTIMism

Paulinho spoke to Rede Globo and said that he was happy with Barcelona's offer. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari wants to keep him but told ESPN Brazil that the club would politely consider any offers which arrived.

Barcelona want to convince the Chinese champions of the short term benefits of having one of their players sign for a global club like Barcelona. It could set a precedent, with European clubs making bids to bring players back from China.

The Catalans are optimistic. The deal with Paulinho is closed, as we reported on Sunday, the contact with Guangzhou is on a good path. Barcelona have chosen him to reinforce the midfield if Verratti arrives or not.