Ibrahim Afellay
Tottenham are considering a move for Dutchman Afellay, reports suggest. (Reuters)

Tottenham Hotspur are considering giving Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay a fresh challenge in the Premier League, reports suggest.

The Dutch international spent last season out on loan to Bundesliga outfit Schalke after failing to find a starting role amongst Barcelona's plethora of attacking talent.

A season punctured by injury dissuaded the German club from making their move for the 27-year-old permanent, leaving his future in the balance. To add to his woes, Afellay was included on a list of Barca players who are not needed at the club next season, alongside Andreu Fontas, Isaac Cuenca and Bojan.

It was suggested that the winger's immediate options came in the form of a return to PSV Eindhoven, where he spent his entire career prior to his move to the Nou Camp in 2011, or in a move to the Premier League. El Mundo Deportivo suggest Spurs have strong interest in Afellay's services, and are interested in bringing the player to White Hart Lane on a permanent or loan basis this summer.

The buccaneering Dutchman could be seen as a useful wide option for Andre Villas-Boas. While Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon are unlikely to be ousted by the potential arrival, Afellay could provide the necessary cover for those wide positions that was often lacking at Spurs last season.

Tottenham were without both Bale and Lennon for a two week period in April last campaign, with their only options to utilise Gylfi Sigurdsson and Lewis Holtby on the left and right flanks, a duo who traditionally play through the middle.

Regardless of the future of Bale, Afellay could represent a cost effective addition to Villas-Boas' squad, with Barcelona unlikely to demand a steep transfer fee, given his marginal role at the club.

Afellay only made ten appearances for Schalke last season before injuries curtailed his campaign, but with the 2014 World Cup on the horizon, the Dutchman will be keen to once again prove his worth to national team coach Louis van Gaal.

The former PSV magician signed for Barcelona for just €3m in December 2010, agreeing to a four and a half year deal with the club.