QPR have been linked with a move for Hamburg’s Rafael van der Vaart. The R’s manager, Harry Redknapp, coached the Dutch man during his time at Tottenham Hotspur and would like to rekindle the partnership as Redknapp aims to keep his team in the top flight following a successful campaign last year that resulted in promotion.

Redknapp has spoken about the London-based clubs need for six signings during the current transfer window, and the manager at Loftus Road has a history of signing players that previously worked with him – this theory only strengthened by the signing of former West Ham player Rio Ferdinand just last week.

Van der Vaart, signed with Hamburg in the Bundesliga, following a two year stint with Tottenham Hotspur under the guidance of Redknapp. There were tumultuous spells between the manager and the midfielder when the latter complained publicly about being made play on the right wing. Redknapp responded by dropping the former Dutch international and claiming that van der Vaart needed to concentrate on his fitness.

It is unknown how much Hamburg would try to extrapolate from the sale of their club captain, who has appeared for the club 172 during two spells with the club. The 31-year-old cost €13 million when purchased in 2012, but given his age and the fact that Hamburg struggled desperately last year might mean that they are willing to move in another direction. The former Dutch international has one year left to run on his contract.

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