van der Vaart not going in Jan

Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has expressed surprise at Chelsea’s interest but at the same time has stressed that he will not leave Hamburg before the end of the season. The player is being continuously linked with a January move to Real Madrid or Chelsea.

"I have been surprised (by Chelsea offer). It is already nice to be recognised for my work," he said.

"I will play for Hamburg until next summer. I have been guaranteed that I will not leave during the winter. We have great expectations here.

"I am very happy and couldn’t be more so."