The Tottenham flop has excelled in China and is now coveted by the Liga giants, who have begun negotiations with Guangzhou Evergrande
Barcelona are negotiating with Guangzhou Evergrande over the potential signing of Paulinho, Goal understands.
Premier League fans will be familiar with the Brazil international, who had a torrid two-year spell at Tottenham.
Barca's negoiations are still at an early stage, though they also enquired after Paulinho's availability at the turn of the year.
Paulinho has played for Guangzhou for three seasons, winning two league titles and the Asian Champions League.
Bayern Munich were also interested in signing Paulinho during January, and Carlo Ancelotti had a phone call with the midfielder, though the negotiations did not reach a conclusion.