That comes just hours after quotes emerged where the agent stated that his client 'could go out on loan for a year'.

Afellay´s agent, Rob Jansen, now insists that his client will be staying at Barcelona.

"People should not take all these rumours about an imminent transfer too serious," Jansen told Voetbal International.

"Leaving Barcelona is not an option at this point. Ibrahim is feeling very well at Barca and is getting playing time.

"It's true that there's plenty of interest, but that's always been the case. There's absolutely no reason for him to leave the club.

"Can we completely rule out a summer exit? You never know in football, but it's highly unlikely that he will leave Barcelona."

Afellay has been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Lazio, Fiorentina, Borussia Dortmund and Lille.