RAFA BID TO STALL VAN DEAL
EXCLUSIVE BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
By Dave Kidd
Liverpool are ready to hijack Chelsea's move for £15million Dutch star Rafael Van der Vaart.
Kop boss Rafa Benitez hopes to sign the Hamburg midfielder after tying up Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.
Chelsea's sporting director Frank Arnesen had been working on a deal to sign Van der Vaart, 25, but new boss Phil Scolari is not keen.
Scolari favours Portugal trio Deco, Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Quaresma while his priority remains a top-class striker.
That leaves it clear for Benitez to reunite Van der Vaart with Dutch pal Dirk Kuyt.
Liverpool are also interested in German Marko Marin, 19.
The 19-year-old, who plays for Borussia Monchengladbach, did not make Euro 2008, but Benitez is mulling over a £6million move.
Meanwhile, free agent Harry Kewell will be watched by Valencia when Australia play China in a World Cup qualifier today.
People.co.uk - HOTLINE: RAFA BID TO STALL VAN DEAL