Van Der Vaart: Madrid? Much Ado About Nothing
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Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has rubbished speculation linking him with a move to Real or Atletico Madrid, adding that he believes he may be spending another year with current club, Hamburg SV.
Despite constant reports of his unrest at the German outfit and a desire to move onto a bigger club, the playmaker - who showed immense quality at Euro 2008 - has intimated he may be staying at the club for another season after all.
Recently taken over by ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol, van der Vaart was quick to dismiss interest with a move in the opposite direction last week, implying it would be a sideways move.
However, interest from Atletico Madrid - who just qualified for the Champions League - and their bitter city rivals and Spanish champions Real, seemed more probable and a move near-certain.
Juventus have also been linked with a move for the player as they look to add creative influence to their midfield ahead of next season's Champions League campaign.
Three of England's Big Four - Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United - were also briefly reported to be interested in the player's services, but van der Vaart has made his stance clear.
"I have checked everything out and there is nothing in it," he said.
"I expect that I will be playing another year in Hamburg.
"Yesterday it was Atletico and today it is Real and it will probably keep going on like this."