Schalke manager, Huub Stevens, revealed a move for the Oranje star could be on the cards.
The Spurs’ midfielder, who is currently on international duty with Netherlands, has long been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane. Since the opening of the transfer window Schalke 04 are thought to be chasing the 29-year
old’s signature.
The Royal Blues’ manager, Huub Stevens, who coached Van der Vaart at Hamburg, is thought be a huge fan of the Dutchman. The tactician also revealed that his club has held talks with the player’s agent.
"Schalke won't say no to Van der Vaart, I still know him from our mutual stay at Hamburger SV and would like to join forces with him again. We are in contact with his agent. I am on holiday right now, but I'm in touch with Schalke
GM Horst Heldt on a daily basis about our plans,” he is quoted as saying in an interview.
Stevens avoided the risk of facing Tottenham’s wrath by playing down claims that his club held talks with the player himself. The Dutchman signed a four-year contract with Spurs and now has two years left on his current deal. So
in order to make the transfer happen Schalke would have to fork out around 7-8 million pounds, which the German club are more than willing to pay.
"I do not know how Raf himself feels about a return to Germany. I have not spoken to him yet, he is with his mind on the Euros. His agreement with Tottenham is still running, so it seems that we have to pay a transfer sum in case
he would come,” he added.
Van der Vaart joined Spurs after a disappointing spell with Real Madrid. He immediately established himself as a permanent fixture in Harry Redknapp’s side.
The midfielder is thought to be concerned about his manager’s contract situation at Tottenham. The Englishman is demanding a new contract and Daniel Levy the club’s chairman is reluctant to offer him an improved deal.
So the Dutchman’s future depends largely on his manager’s. A hitch in Harry’s contract negotiations might just be the end of Van der Vaart’s brief but successful career at the White Hart Lane.
Tags: