AZ Alkmaar are being linked with a move for Angola forward Nando Rafael.
AZ Alkmaar are being linked with a move for Angola forward Nando Rafael.Rafael is on the books of Hertha Berlin, but his contract is due to expire in the summer and is reportedly keen on a return to the Netherlands.
AZ are aware of the situation and could attempt to lure the 21-year-old to Alkmaar next summer.
Rafael had a spell at Ajax earlier in his career and was held in the highest regard at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Ajax had high hopes for the forward, but their plans were scuppered as Rafael was denied a work permit and the Dutch authorities ordered him to leave the country.
Hertha offered him a lifeline and he has flourished in the Bundesliga, but is reportedly looking to return to the Netherlands having secured a German passport.
AZ are said to be leading the chase, while it remains to be seen if Ajax attempt to sign a player they rated so highly prior to his departure in 2002.
Louis van Gaal's AZ are likely to be without Demy de Zeeuw for their Uefa Cup clash with Dnipro, after the defender picked up a groin injury in the weekend loss to PSV Eindhoven
