Barca eyeing Brazil U-17 midfielder Paulinho

Rio de Janeiro: 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, media 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.