Club confirm they are in talks with Spurs star

Schalke manager Huub Stevens has confirmed that his side are in talks with Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart’s representatives.

The Dutchman has insisted that he wants to remain at White Hart Lane but a reunion with the man who was his manager at Hamburg might be a tempting offer.

“His qualities are tremendous,” Stevens told Voetbal International. “Schalke won’t say no to Van der Vaart, I still know him from our mutual stay at Hamburger SV and would like to join forces with him again.

“We are in contact with his agent. I’m on holiday right now, but I’m in touch with Schalke general manager Horst Heldt on a daily basis about our plans.

“I don’t know how Raf himself feels about a return to Germany. I haven’t spoken him yet, he’s with his mind on the Euros.

“His agreement with Tottenham is still running, so it seems that we have to pay a transfer sum in case he would come.

“Let’s be clear: if Raf really wants to come, he’s more than welcome. If we have this opportunity to contract him, which looks quite reasonable, we won’t miss our chance.

“The attacking midfielder position, it is possible to shuffle within our squad. Julian Draxler, for example, is only 18-years-old, while Van der Vaart is a very experienced player.”