Reds’ playmaker search sees them target former Spurs attacker.
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Liverpool are considering a surprise move for former Tottenham attacking midfielder Rafael van der Vaart in the January transfer window, CaughtOffside understands.
The Reds are desperate to land themselves a new midfield playmaker, having tried and failed to sign the likes of Christian Eriksen and Henrikh Mkhitaryan this summer, and have also been linked with van der Vaart’s fellow Dutchman Ibrahim Afellay.
However, the 30-year-old attacker, now of Bundesliga outfit Hamburg, could be a top target for Brendan Rodgers, as his experience and proven quality in the Premier League appeals to the Liverpool manager as he seeks to build a squad capable of competing for a top four place this season.
Van der Vaart scored 28 goals in 78 appearances in a two-year spell at White Hart Lane, before making a surprise exit from the club at the end of last summer’s transfer window, returning for a second spell at Hamburg, whom he also represented between 2005 and 2008.
The Netherlands international, who started his career at Ajax and who has also played for Real Madrid, was a top performer for Spurs during his time in England, earning a reputation as a prolific source of goals from midfield, as well as providing good creativity to the side.
His technique, skill and intelligence make him an ideal player to continue to philosophy and approach by Rodgers at Liverpool, as the Northern Irishman looks to develop an attack-minded passing side.
The Reds are currently missing the influence of Brazilian starlet Coutinho in that playmaker role, and Rodgers is keen to add more depth in that position when the transfer window re-opens in the middle of the season, with PSG’s Javier Pastore and Derby County youngster Will Hughes also among their top targets.
Van der Vaart has started this season in fine form with four goals in his first seven games, though Hamburg have endured a difficult start overall, winning just one of their seven games in the Bundesliga and hovering just above the relegation zone.
This could tempt van der Vaart into considering an exit from the side, despite his seeming fondness for playing in Germany, though some top Bundesliga sides could also look at him if Hamburg’s poor form continues to the January period.
Liverpool, in contrast, have made a good start to the season, winning three of their opening five games, and will hope to attract some big names to Anfield in the next transfer window after a busy summer.