German club Schalke is determined to sign both Rafael van der Vaart and Salomon Kalou to the club this summer.
Head coach Huub Stevens has said the two players are on the top of their wish list. The club is battling Liverpool for former Chelsea striker and Ivory Coast international Kalou after he was released by the Champions League winner.
"It's obvious; there are many other clubs keen on him," Stevens said, "Liverpool for example. But I know for sure he wants to move away from England. This could be our chance!"
Stevens would also like to be reunited with Van der Vaart, who he managed at Hamburg. The Tottenham midfielder, and former Real Madrid player, would be a pleasant addition to the German club.
"His qualities are unprecedented," Stevens said. "I would love to work with him again. We have contacts with his agent. Every day I speak to Horst Heldt [Schalke's general manager] on the phone about our plans."
"He has a contract so we will have to pay a ransom. If Rafa really wants it, he is welcome. If that opportunity arises, and he looks forward to it, let him come."
The transfer fee for Van der Vaart would likely be around 10 million pounds, but there is no guarantee the Dutch star would like to move. While his agent confirmed the interest from Schalke, Van der Vaart has said he is happy at Spurs.
As of now, Van der Vaart, 29, is refusing to talk about his future as he participates with the Netherlands in the European Championship.
Schalke finished third in the Bundesliga last season behind Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
