Guangzhou Evergrande will only let Paulinho leave for Barcelona in January
The Chinese club don't want to lose the midfielder midway through the season
Barça have offered 20 million euros and are set to return with a second offer
Guangzhou Evergrande do not want to budge on their stance over Paulinho having rejected Barcelona's first bid for the player.
The Chinese club are standing firm on their desire to hold on to Paulinho amid interest from Barça, despite the Brazilian's desire to leave.
President Xu Jiayin has made it clear the club do not want to sell this summer, with the Chinese Super League in full flow, but he did suggest they would be willing to do business in January.
"We shouldn’t just think about the financial side of things, but also about the team’s current situation," Xu Jiayin said.
"It’s a unique opportunity for Paulinho and we understand that, but we’re half way through the season and it’s not the time to let a key player leave.
"We understand Paulinho’s feelings, but I hope he understand the club’s position."
