Spalletti: Enquiry only for Afellay

Zenit St Petersburg coach Luciano Spalletti has clarified his progress in a potential move for Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay.

The Netherlands international has struggled with injuries and form since moving to Camp Nou from PSV in January 2011.

The 26-year-old emerged as a transfer target for the likes of Arsenal and Inter Milan during the close-season, but Spalletti is still hoping to bring Afellay to the Russian Premier League.

“My transfer targets? Afellay is definitely on the list, but we have only enquired about availability and not made a bid,” Spalletti told Zenit’s website.

“If Barcelona or the player himself do not want to negotiate our interest will end.”

After an unbeaten start to the league season for Zenit, Spalletti will be aiming to strengthen his squad with the signing of Afellay, as he looks to lead the club to their third successive championship.