[Fillipo Simone]

Atletico Madrid Knock On Van Der Vaart’s Door

Rafael Van Der Vaart must be Europe’s, if not the world’s, most sought after player at the moment, as the Spanish sports newspaper AS reported today that Atletico Madrid have joined the race to sign the Dutch master.

Spain’s second largest sports tabloid, with over one million readers per day, the capital-based As reveals that Javier Aguirre has listed the HSV super star as his main transfer target for the coming summer. According to the report the Mexican coach acknowledges the stiff competition, but thinks that Atletico really stand a chance, as they are prepared to hand out as much as 20 million euros, matching the Milan and Juventus Turin offers. 

Only the very best

Besides the two Serie A giants other major European superpowers, such as Bayern Munich, Internazionale, Barcelona, Valencia and Chelsea, have reportedly either made their moves or considered making one. But Aguirre is hopeful, as he thinks that Van Der Vaart does certainly not favour a move to Italy. 

The former Ajax man has himself suggested that he prefers Spain, his mother’s homeland, instead, with Valencia enjoying a comparative advantage: Ronald Koeman. However, their relationship with Hamburg was shaken last summer, when Van Der Vaart even posed with a Ches shirt before the move was finally aborted. 

The 1.5-million clause

The 24-year-old international playmaker, arguably HSV’s most prized asset, is committed to the club up until June 30, 2010, but it seems more than likely that he’ll leave them at the end of the season. The Germans bought him for 5.5 million in June 2005, but they’re expected to cash in almost four times that amount should they decide to sell him before the summer of ’09, when – according to a contract clause – any club interested will be able to get Van Der Vaart for an 1.5-million bargain price. 

Atletico’s governing board are prepared to offer the amount of money needed. Now it’s up to Aguirre and his players to ensure the Madrid side are able to offer Van Der Vaart something he really craves: UEFA Champions League football.

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) ?? We made an offer??? We are "in" for van der Vaart? This is my first...

[Tennie]

I'd be thrilled to see him at Milan. He's a graceful player with a lot of talent. General rumors about him have been rumbling around for a couple of weeks, but he's more frequently linked to Spain.

(I'm surprised you boys aren't all hopping for him to be signed. His wife is rather good looking).

[kurtsimonw]

I'd be thrilled to see him at Milan. He's a graceful player with a lot of talent. General rumors about him have been rumbling around for a couple of weeks, but he's more frequently linked to Spain.

(I'm surprised you boys aren't all hopping for him to be signed. His wife is rather good looking).

He would be an awesome signing.

I'll be needing a picture of his wife to decide though. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[misha]

Of course I'd like him to join but I don't sure if we want him as much as some other clubs. Chelsea (I heard) Will be going strong for him in January.

[dst]

Real Madrid need him more than anyone else. He could become their Kaka but they want the Brazilian cause he'd bring BIG money in in an instant...

I'd love to see van der Vaart in the rossoneri colors even if he's an RM fan! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[Portman]

Of course I'd like him to join

... but I doubt he'd chose Serie A over some EPL/La Liga clubs that are interested too.

[Portman]

Real Madrid need him more than anyone else. He could become their Kaka but they want the Brazilian cause he'd bring BIG money in in an instant...

I'd love to see van der Vaart in the rossoneri colors even if he's an RM fan! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Wasn't Diego? Kaka' is past for them. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

He would be an awesome signing.

I'll be needing a picture of his wife to decide though.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Voila Kurt!
(IMG:http://canali.libero.it/affaritaliani/upload/sy/sylvie-van-der-vaart0.jpg)

I think she has some Milan potential?

[misha]

I think she has some Milan potential?

I'd need to check her 1 on 1 in order to give my final approval (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Voila Kurt!
(IMG:http://canali.libero.it/affaritaliani/upload/sy/sylvie-van-der-vaart0.jpg)

I think she has some Milan potential?

Cheers. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I approve of the wife, now to get her in Milan!

[mishie]

one of the most talented players ever produced by Ajax

not my words, from a coach on my course who has spent time in Amsterdam that was what is he was told

my opinion is i'd love him here!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Tennie]

Hahahahaha at the reactions to picture.

(I want no faces now when I call dibs on the next hot guy to sign for Milan -- or manage to steal Nesta away from dst. Fair is fair).

And Van der Vaart would be amazing at Milan....if I weren't almost 100% sure he's going to end up playing in Spain.

[kurtsimonw]

Hahahahaha at the reactions to picture.

(I want no faces now when I call dibs on the next hot guy to sign for Milan -- or manage to steal Nesta away from dst. Fair is fair).

What do you mean 'next hot guy'? You say it like there's been a hot guy before! There;s no such thing.

[Tennie]

No hot guy?

Um.

Maldini. Nesta. Kaka (though I personally still think he looks like he's about 12).

I want dibs on the next one. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (or permission to push dst into the piranha tank so as to take over dibs on Nesta).

[Rossoneri7]

I'd need to check her 1 on 1 in order to give my final approval (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

You wish !!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)


*she's mine !!!!*

How much is she going for a wam-bam-thank-you-ma'am (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)




p.s. It's Ronaldinho all the way (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)