Liverpool and Arsenal alerted as Afellay considers future

Liverpool and Arsenal target Ibrahim Afellay is considering his future after Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova informed the winger he would have a peripheral role at the Nou Camp next season, according to reports from Spain.

 Afellay cut his summer holiday short to seek talks with Vilanova and the new Barcelona boss, who replaced Pep Guardiola earlier this summer, has informed the Dutchman that he will be little more than a squad player next term.

 Injuries have hampered Afellay’s progress since arriving at Barcelona from PSV in January 2011 - he has managed just eight league starts in a season and a half - and the 26-year-old is now exploring options from a string of suitors.

 As earlier  revealed that the Dutchman has ruled out a switch to French club Lille as he is mindful of interest from Arsenal and Inter Milan.

 And Liverpool are also rumoured to be monitoring Afellay’s situation as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his side’s attacking options ahead of the new season.

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Liverpool and Tottenham tracking Barcelona star

Ibrahim Afellay is ready for showdown talks over his Barcelona future - with Tottenham and Liverpool watching developments. 

 Afellay wants to speak to new coach Tito Vilanova in the next week to discuss his plans for the new season. 

Following a surprise switch to the Nou Camp from PSV Eindhoven in 2011, Afellay has failed to shine at Barcelona. 

Injuries have halted his progress and he has made just 20 La Liga appearances since moving there - and Afellay is eager to be more involved. 

The 26-year-old was given a break after Holland's disastrous exit from Euro 2012 and he's set to return to Barcelona seeking answers. 

Liverpool and Spurs, currently fighting it out over Gylfi Sigurdsson, are long term admirers and will keep an eye on the situation with Afellay.

 However, the two Premier League clubs will have to fight it out with French side Lille, who have targeted Afellay as a replacement for Joe Cole.

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