By Simon Kay
The 29-year-old has been strongly linked with a return to his former club, while Spurs have already brought in Fulham forward Moussa Dembele after they triggered a £15million release clause.
And with new boss Andre Villas-Boas looking to add further new names to his squad before tomorrow’s deadline, Van der Vaart’s days at Tottenham could be numbered.
But Hamburg chairman Carl-Edgar Jarchow has admitted a lack of time could prevent a deal for the £14m-rated Dutchman going through.
‘It is really up to Tottenham Hotspur,’ he said. ‘If we have a chance to sign him, we’ll do everything we can to make that happen.’
That opportunity could present itself if Spurs complete deals of their own in a frantic few days of late transfer activity at White Hart Lane.
Villas-Boas has renewed interest in Shakhtar Donetsk forward Willian, who could fill the void left by the exit of Luka Modric.
Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin has already claimed he rejected a bid of just under £12million for the Brazilian, and added Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has also made enquiries about midfield duo Douglas Costa and Fernandinho.
Elsewhere, Spurs’ attempts to sign France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could be on the brink of success, in a deal with Lyon thought to be worth around £13million.
Tottenham have also been linked with Internacional striker Leandro Damiao and Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila, although the chances of the pair moving to White Hart Lane appear to have now receded.
