The Brazilian spent two underwhelming seasons at White Hart Lane and joined Guangzhou Evergrande for a little over half the £17m fee Spurs spent on him.
Two years later and Paulinho is impressing in the Chinese Super League and for the Brazil national team, even scoring a hat-trick earlier this year, and now the Liga giants are keen.
"There was contact with my agent, yes," Paulinho told Globo Esporte.
"There was an offer, yes, and this is all talking."
The 28-year-old, though, is happy in China after two trophy-laden seasons - including winning the AFC Champions League - and is unsure if a move to Camp Nou would serve his best interests.
He continued: "I find myself at a very happy moment in my life and in my career.
"When you meet at a time like this it is difficult for you to decide."
