Despite constant reports of his unrest at the German outfit and
a desire to move onto a bigger club, the playmaker - who showed
immense quality at Euro 2008 - has intimated he may be staying at
the club for another season after all.
Recently taken over by ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol, van
der Vaart was quick to dismiss interest with a move in the opposite
direction last week, implying it would be a sideways move.
However, interest from Atletico Madrid - who just qualified for the
Champions League - and their bitter city rivals and Spanish
champions Real, seemed more probable and a move near-certain.
Juventus have also been linked with a move for the player as they
look to add creative influence to their midfield ahead of next
season's Champions League campaign.
Three of England's Big Four - Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester
United - were also briefly reported to be interested in the
player's services, but van der Vaart has made his stance
clear.
"I have checked everything out and there is nothing in it," he
said.
"I expect that I will be playing another year in Hamburg.
"Yesterday it was Atletico and today it is Real and it will
probably keep going on like this."