Hamburg upbeat over Rafael
28 Jul 2008 - 15:46:14
Hamburg are hopeful that they have warded off the interest of Real Madrid in their Dutch playmaker Rafael van der Vaart.
The 25-year-old was the subject of an offer from the Spanish champions last week, but his current German employers says that they have heard nothing since that point.
Spokesman Jorn Wolf told the club's official website: "The fact is, we have not heard anything from Real Madrid since last Thursday.
"The offer for Rafael van der Vaart was rejected out of hand and the Spaniards declared the issue to be over and, until now, have not come back with a new offer or enquiry.
"Apart from what happened last week, there has never been any contact between HSV and Real Madrid."
Former Ajax ace van der Vaart has scored 36 goals in 89 appearances during his three seasons with Hamburg.