The playmaker was outstanding during Euro 2008 and his sublime play on the pitch has been rewarded with interest from a host of top sides including Los Merengues as well as Juventus.
Van der Vaart has never hidden the fact that he would like to play for a major club and now his ambitions have received a boost as Hamburg are ready to hold talks with the La Liga side.
Bild claims the player will move to the Spanish capital for €13m and a deal could be on the horizon. However, it seems as if the German side would like their player to remain for at least another two years as his contract expires in 2010.
“I can only say that Rafael has had the best time of his career here with us and I want him to stay for another year or so,” said Martin Rol, Hamburg’s coach.
Real are keen on a midfielder and Van der Vaart may be the cheaper and more likelier alternative than Cristiano Ronaldo or Cesc Fabregas.
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