Hamburg reveal failed Real Madrid bid for Van der Vaart

Hamburg have rejected a bid from Real Madrid for midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

German sources say Real tabled a £5 million offer for the Dutchman, which was immediately rejected by the Bundesliga club.

Hamburg chief Dietmar Beiersdorfer: "We immediately gave them our answer, which was no."

Real are reluctant to go higher for a player who will be available to sign a pre-contract in January.