“Van der Vaart close to Real Madrid deal:” Calderon

Real Madrid seem to be closer than ever to a deal with Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart. Chairman Ramon Calderon even dares to say that it’s now a matter of days.

In an interview with Spanish sports paper AS, the club president spoke about the apparently imminent transfer.

“His arrival is near. It’s very possible that we will come to an agreement in London. It’s not a complicated operation,” said Calderon, referring to a meeting in Britain’s capital city next Saturday.

Reports have that Real Madrid would pay Hamburger SV around ten million Euros and that Van der Vaart would be willing to sign for five seasons.

Van der Vaart, who usually played in central or right midfield, began his career in 2000 at Ajax Amsterdam. In 2005, the player made a move to Hamburg where he would grow to be one of the most influential players.

Last year, the now 25-year-old was close to a Primera Division move but Valencia CF never came to an agreement with the German side.

If Van der Vaart is to join Real Madrid, he will join no less than four fellow countrymen: Arjen Robben, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Royston Drenthe and last but not least Wesley Sneijder, with whom he spent several years at Ajax.