Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay's agent has revealed the player is willing to move to the Premier League. The Metro believes the 27-year-old is an important target for Tottenham, as Andre Villas-Boas looks to add creativity and flair to White Hart Lane, ahead of challenge for a Champions League place.

"The Premier League is very tempting for Ibrahim. It is a strong possibility for his next move," Rob Jansen, the agent, explained.

Ibrahim Afellay
Reuters

Afellay joined the Nou Camp side mid-season in 2011. The Catalans paid Dutch club PSV Eindhoven €3m and signed the player to a four-and-a-half year deal. However, the winger failed to establish himself at the club, making only seven starts that season and only one in his first full year with the club.

There was interest from north London last summer as well, with the Mail Online reporting a season-long loan deal was discussed. However, nothing came of that and Afellay was shipped off to Schalke 04, in the Bundesliga, for the year. The Dutchman was similarly unimpressive in Germany, with only two goals from eight Bundesliga starts all year long.

Very much the forgotten man in Catalonia now, Afellay will probably be very keen to transfer to a new club and re-start his career, especially with the 2014 FIFA World Cup to consider. The Metro believes £3m will be enough to persuade Barcelona to release their player.

Andre Villas-Boas on Fixtures

Meanwhile, Spurs' boss Andre Villas-Boas believes the north London side will have a difficult start to the season. They face newly promoted Crystal Palace on opening day and then host Swansea before a critical north London derby at the Emirates.

"Selhurst Park is always a difficult stadium to go to. I'm looking forward to next season. I think there will be big changes in every team and the managerial changes (at Chelsea, City, United) will see different ways of playing. Other teams will look to create strong teams and we will look to do the same, and build a strong, competitive side," he said.

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