Barcelona have begun negotiations with PSV over a move for Ibrahim Afellay, according to Spanish reports.
La Liga giants reportedly heading race for Dutchman's signature
Barcelona have begun negotiations with PSV Eindhoven over a move for highly-rated midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, according to reports in the Spanish media.
The Catalan club are understood to be targeting the 24-year-old as an alternative to Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, who has been repeatedly linked with a return to his boyhood club.
However, Barca have reportedly admitted defeat over the Spanish skipper because they cannot afford the Gunners' asking price, which is in the region of £45million.
A Barca source was quoted as saying: "The money situation in the club changes the situation and today it is impossible to accept a big expense for the reinforcements."
The Primera Liga club are instead understood to be in talks over a January move for Dutchman Afellay, who has made an impact at PSV and on international duty for the Netherlands this season.
Afellay, who has been linked with numerous outfits including Manchester United and Liverpool, has confirmed his desire to depart the Eredivisie side for a bigger club.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who is out of contract at PSV in June next year, could be the subject of a bidding war amongst a host of European clubs in the January transfer window after turning down a new deal in Eindhoven.
