Scolari opens the door for Paulinho's Barcelona move

Guangzhou Evergrande coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has suggested the Chinese club are open to negotiating with Barcelona for Paulinho. In comments made to the channel ESPN Brasil, Scolari affirmed that "Guangzhou receive any proposal from any club in the world naturally, and will negotiate as the big club it is within an Asian context."

The Brazilian coach insisted that Guangzhou Evergrande will not be inflexible. "The Chinese won't be intransigent with anybody, they have the right attitude with all the teams they negotiate with," he added. "But I don't think Paulinho is as excited about the proposal as they are saying in Brazil. He is fine here, he is very well liked in China and also by his team-mates."

Scolari also confirmed that he has an excellent personal relationship with Paulinho and that they have talked about the Barça's interest: "Yes, I have spoken with Paulinho about the interest, for me he is like a son that I have here [in China]. He is playing wonderfully. And our friendship extends off the pith, too. We have already talked and he knows my position. If the time comes when I have to make a statement or express my opinion on this issue of Paulinho, I will do so normally. I am sure that Paulinho will make the decision that is best for him."