Tottenham, Real Madrid reach deal for Rafael Van der Vaart
According to reports from Spain, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hostpur have reached a deal worth more than 10 million euros for Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.
Spain's Marca newspaper is reporting the deal was completed Tuesday by the two squads, and that the clubs are awaiting the acceptance of the deal by the English Premier League.
Van der Vaart, 27, has denied the transfer speculation in recent days, shooting down rumors of a move back to Germany.
The Dutch star is seen as surplus to requirements for Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu. Since his move from Inter Milan, Mourinho has already brought in several players to Real Madrid over the summer. The “Special One” brought in Germany World Cup stars Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, along with Argentine Angel di Maria and Pedro Leon of Spain, all players that are looked at as better fits in the capital club's midfield.
Van der Vaart, 27, joined Real Madrid from Hamburg in 2008. He started out his career as Ajax before moving to Germany, to the surprise of many, including Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.
Van der Vaart now heads to White Hart Lane to join Tottenham, who are with Inter Milan in Group A in the UEFA Champions League.
Tottenham could use a midfielder who knows how to score, and who can connect with the forwards.
If van der Vaart can get on the pitch with Giovanni Dos Santos and co-exist, it could be a lethal combination of creativity and offensive firepower.
Dos Santos has struggled to adapt to the English game, after showing flashes at Barcelona and for the Mexican national team. Many may fear that Van der Vaart may have trouble as well, as he is used to the slower pace of Spanish football.
Time will be needed for him to adapt, but the Spurs may have scooped up one of the best deals of the transfer window at the last second.
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