Guangzhou Evergrande manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has ruled out selling Paulinho for less than his £35m release clause after the Brazilian was linked with Barcelona.

Paulinho is one of the undoubted success stories of the Chinese Super League, having re-established himself in his national side since his move to Guangzhou in 2015.

He had joined Tottenham for £17m in 2013 as the club attempted to spend their Gareth Bale winnings but he left for little more than half that sum.

He has won two Chinese titles and an Asian Champions League trophy since moving east.

“Paulinho is not going to move from Guangzhou Evergrande and, for those who do not know it, he has a €40m release clause.” said Scolari, when asked about reported interest from Barcelona.

“At this moment it is not easy for any Chinese team to let an important player go because it is difficult and very expensive to sign a replacement due to new tax rates.”

A 100% tax rate on incoming footballers threatens to curtail the spending of Chinese clubs.