Dutch star tempted by Reds

Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has admitted he would seriously consider a switch to the Premier League if it meant he has a better prospect of first team football.

The World Cup finalist is behind Kaka in the pecking order at the Whites but impressed during the tail end of last season.

Since playing for Holland in South Africa, van der Vaart has attracted interest from a host of Barclays Premier League sides, with Manchester United the most prominent.

However, now heavyweights Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked with the 27-year-old.

The Blues have been pursuing team mate Kaka over the summer but Carlo Ancelotti has admitted a move for the Brazilian would not be possible.

"I have heard of the interest from Liverpool and Chelsea - and that is very flattering," he said.

"They are both giants, and if they could offer first-team football it may prove impossible to turn down."

"I think I have the relationship with Madrid where they understand my position and would let me hold talks," he added.

Both sides have already bolstered their attacking ranks with Joe Cole swapping Stamford Bridge for Anfield and Yossi Benayoun making a move in the opposite direction.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.