Riod e Janeiro, Apr 12 (IANS): Bayern Munich are preparing an offer to sign Brazil international midfielder Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande.

According to Brazil's Uol news service, the 28-year-old has been identified by Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti as an ideal replacement for Spain World Cup winner Xabi Alonso, who will retire at the end of the season, reports Xinhua news agency.

But the Bundesliga outfit are likely to face competition for Paulinho's signature, with AC Milan among a host of other clubs reportedly interested in the Brazilian.

Paulinho joined Guangzhou Evergrande from Tottenham Hotspur in 2015. He has since scored 10 goals in 67 matches for the Chinese Super League club.

The former Corinthians player has been a key member of the Brazil team that shot to the top of the FIFA rankings this month after eight consecutive victories.

He scored a hat-trick in Brazil's 4-1 victory over Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier last month.