Barcelona eyeing Brazil U-17 midfielder Paulinho
Rio de Janeiro, March 24 (IANS) Spanish football giants FC Barcelona are monitoring Brazil U-17 midfielder Paulinho, according to local media reports.
The La Liga leaders have been impressed with the 17-year-old’s finishing ability, speed and physical strength, Xinhua news agency quoted Brazil’s Lance newspaper as saying.
Paulinho has made 32 appearances for Brazilian top division outfit Vasco da Gama since his first-team debut last year.
He has also represented Brazil at under-15 and under-17 level, scoring 15 goals in 35 matches in both age groups.
Vasco are said to have placed a 30 million-euro price tag on the teenager.
Barcelona currently have two Brazilians in their squad — former Tottenham Hotspur and Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho and ex-Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.