Santos say ‘no’ to Rafael van der Vaart

Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart will not be joining the Brazilian powerhouse Santos, Globo Esporte have reported.

Real Betis midfielder has returned to Spain following the broken negotiations with Santos, who do not regard the 33-year-old as ‘physically fit’.

Santos manager Dorival Junior was optimistic about the prospect of adding the World Cup winner to his squad, but was worried about his lack of fitness and recurring injury problems.

Santos have been offered the services of Rafael van der Vaart by the Brazilian agent Luiz Taveira, as former Real Madrid player is desperate to leave los Beticos.

With Chinese transfer market now closed, thehe experienced Dutch midfielder now faces limited options.

Palmeiras are among the teams also linked with a move for the Real Betis player, but several MLS sides are also believed to be interested.

Rafael van der Vaart is contracted to Real Betis until 2018. He joined the La Liga club in 2015 from Hamburger SV, but has failed to establish himself as the first-team regular.