Liverpool Ready to Open Talks with Madrid for van der Vaart

Liverpool have begun preliminary talks with Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart regarding a possible move to the Premier League, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

The report also claims that the Reds are eyeing possible moves for Van der Vaart's club-mates Royston Drenthe and Guti, though any deal for the latter is believed to be highly unlikely, despite the fact that the player would be available on a free transfer.

However, any transfer dealing at Anfield is likely to be put on hold for the moment until the future of manager Rafael Benitez is decided.

There is also massive uncertainty at the club regarding Fernando Torres, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City this week.

Until the striker is sold or decides to stay at Anfield, it will be difficult for the Reds to formulate any clear transfer policy in a close-season where rebuilding is key.

(taken from goal.com)