Van der Vaart wanted in England

Valencia face competition to sign Hamburg ace

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 24th November 2007

Van der Vaart Rafael

Van der Vaart: Strong interest

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Hamburg playmaker Rafael van der Vaart is wanted by Premier League clubs, according to the Dutchman's agent.

Van der Vaart is looking to leave Hamburg and has previously expressed a determination to join Spanish side Valencia.

His compatriot Ronald Koeman has recently been appointed coach at the Mestalla and would be keen to sign the former Ajax captain.

But while Valencia maintain an interest in the midfielder, Van der Vaart's agent Bayram Tutumlu claims there is strong interest from other clubs.

Difficult

"Now, it is very difficult for the player to join Valencia because we have important offers from other big clubs in Spain and England, but he has always loved Valencia," Tutumlu told Las Provincias.

"I have spoken with him and he said that if Valencia present an offer he will study it.

"But I know the salary being offered by president Juan Soler is very difficult to agree to."

Reports have claimed that Arsenal and Newcastle United are the two Premier League sides keeping an eye on the situation.