PSV Eindhoven chief Marcel Brands admits they'd have welcomed re-signing Ibrahim Afellay.

Off contract from Barcelona this month, Afellay has signed for Stoke City.

Brands declared: "The arrival of Ibi would have been a welcome reinforcement.

"If we find someone of similar level, which means a direct boost for the team, we will try to buy them."

Former PSV star Afellay signed a two-year deal with Stoke this week.