RIO DE JANEIRO - Barcelona are monitoring Brazil under-17 midfielder Paulinho, according to local media reports.

The La Liga leaders have been impressed with the 17-year-old's finishing ability, speed off the mark and physical strength, Brazil's Lance newspaper reported.

Paulinho has made 32 appearances for 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.

Barcelona currently have two Brazilians in their squad: former Tottenham Hotspur and Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho and ex-Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.