Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona.

Between 2013 and 2015, the Brazilian failed to live up to his growing reputation and scored just six goals in 45 appearances in the Premier League.

However, since leaving North London for just over half the £17.7m which Spurs paid for his signature, he has recaptured his form in China with Guangzhou Evergrande and it appears that it could lead to a return to Europe.

According to Goal.com, Barcelona have moved to open negotiations with Evergrande in an attempt to take the 28-year-old to Camp Nou this summer.

Paulinho still has three years remaining on his contract, but he is likely to welcome the opportunity to ply his trade for the Catalan giants should a deal be reached between the two clubs.

Evergrande have won the Chinese Super League title for the past six seasons.