Hamburg star Rafael van der Vaart claims to have been surprised by reports that he is agreed to sign a five-year contract with Real Madrid.The Spanish media reported on Thursday that a 20million euros deal had been agreed and the Holland midfielder's move to the Madrid giants is imminent.

However, Van der Vaart, who is set to begin pre-season training with Hamburg on Friday, insists Marca's report was the first he had heard about it.

"Gosh! I have read about it and now have to get a bit more information," he told the Bild newspaper.

"I don't want to say any more about it at the time being."

Earlier this week Van der Vaart pledged his future to HSV but claimed he could be tempted away by "only a really big club".

New Hamburg coach Martin Jol previously admitted it would be hard to keep hold of the 25-year-old if the right club were to make a big offer.

"If a club like Barcelona, Real Madrid or Internazionale come in, then I cannot say he is staying," Jol said recently.

"There are about six or seven clubs on their level and you can forget the rest, which is what I think Rafael feels too."

Van der Vaart was heavily linked with a move to Valencia 12 months ago but former Hamburg coach Huub Stevens blocked a move.

While Jol would be loathe to lose his talented midfielder, he knows there are some things in life you simply cannot stop.

"Van der Vaart is one of the most productive midfielders in Europe and was involved in around 25 to 30 goals last season and I hope we keep hold of him," he added.

"But I have experienced so much and there are always players who are suddenly gone.

"You can buy anything nowadays and, even if that may not be such a good thing, it is the reality."

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