by Darren Lewis
Schalke boss Huub Stevens has confirmed his interest in Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart, who he coached at Hamburg.
Stevens said of the Dutch playmaker, 29, currently with his country at Euro 2012: “His qualities are unprecedented. I would love to work with him again.
“We have contacts with his agent. Every day I speak to Horst Heldt [Schalke’s general manager] about our plans.
“There are rumours circulating that Rafael would return to Germany, but I have not heard from his mouth. I have not spoken with him and we’ll have to see after Euro 2012.
“He has a contract so we will have to pay a ransom. If Rafa really wants it, he is welcome.
“If that opportunity arises, and he looks forward to it, let him come.”
Van der Vaart joined Tottenham from Real Madrid in 2010, but previously spent three years in the Bundesliga with Hamburg.
His model wife Sylvie is also a star on German TV, appearing on shows such as their versions of Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing.
