Barcelona's rather baffling attempts to land Paulinho have continued with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande confirming they have rejected an offer from the Blaugrana.
Barca's pursuit of the Brazilian midfielder is one of the most eyebrow-raising sagas of the transfer window so far, and fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your view) it's not going too well.
"Paulinho, having already renewed his contract in January 2017, is an important player for our club's long-term project," the club said in an official statement
"Therefore, our club have given a formal response to Barcelona that we reject their bid for Paulinho.