Russian Premier League champions Zenit St Petersburg have confirmed their desire to sign Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay.
The Russian giants are eager to reinforce the squad before the start of the Champions League group stages and they have set their sights on the Dutch midfielder.
Zenit boss Luciano Sp alletti has revealed the club are readying bid for the Netherlands international.
“You want to hear a name? Ok, Afellay,” Spalletti was quoted as saying on club’s official website.
“Although it is not a concrete offer, we have established a contact with Barcelona over the asking price.
”But if Barcelona don’t want to cooperate, it (our interest) will end.”
The 26-year-old arrived to Camp Nou in January 2011, but his career at Barcelona has been plagued by a serious injury.
As a result, Afellay has only made 20 La Liga appearances for the Catalans and is repeatedly linked with a summer exit from Camp Nou.
The talented midfielder doesn’t seem to be rated too highly by coach Tito Vilanova and everything suggests that he will be allowed to leave if the right offer comes along.
