Corinthians deny Manchester City have made an approach for Paulinho

The 24-year-old, who is valued at around 20million, was part of the side that beat Chelsea in the Club World Cup final in Japan.

He has been linked with Premier League champions Manchester City and French giants Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks and could be a potential target in the January transfer window.

City boss Roberto Mancini is keen to reinforce his squad with key midfielder Yaya Toure set to go to the Africa Cup of Nations later this month.

However, Corinthians club president Mario Gobbi told Estadao newspaper that 'nobody' would be leaving the Sao Paulo-based club.

And Gobbi's words have been backed up by director of football Roberto de Andrade, who said: "Talk about him (Paulinho) is just speculation.

"No offer has come in for any of our players and we don't want to sell anybody."