Corinthians have set a £15m asking price for Chelsea target Paulinho.
The Blues have emerged as front-runners to sign the Brazil international despite previous interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.
Corinthians are keen to keep Paulinho during the January transfer window and are more likely to let him leave during the summer.
Linking up with fellow countrymen David Luiz, Ramires and Oscar is thought to be an alluring prospect for Paulinho, leading to speculation that he may ask to leave his current club.
However, it is thought that Chelsea would be unwilling to pay £15m for the 24-year-old.
