Sneijder - Rafael keen on Real

Van der Vaart: Real desire

Wesley Sneijder has claimed that Hamburg playmaker Rafael van der Vaart is desperate to join Real Madrid.

Van der Vaart has been regulalry linked with a move away from Hamburg, but recently played down rumours that he was set to join Real.

However, the playmaker's Dutch compatriot has said that Van der Vaart is keen to sign for the Bernabeu club, but admits he may not complete his desired move this summer.

"I have spoken to him several times in the past few days and he has told me that he wants to play for Real Madrid, but does not know if it will be possible next season," Sneijder told AS.

Very excited

"But he has told me that he is very excited about the prospect of joining Madrid and that is his main aim.

"I can say that Rafael is a great player. He really impresses me. I have played with him for four seasons at Ajax and we have played many times for the Dutch national team in the centre of midfield.

"I really do not know if he will join this year though or wait until next season. I would really like him to sign for Madrid. He is like Guti in quality and plays a bit further forward, behind the front two.

"One of his main assets is his ability to move into the area and score and he always finishes the season with plenty of goals."