Hamburg SV

Europe: UEFA Europa League (Group C)

Hamburg could be about to bring Rafael van der Vaart back to the Bundesliga this winter, according to the latest rumors. The Dutch midfielder left Hamburg to join Real Madrid 16 months ago, but he appears to be surplus to requirements at the Spanish club and has already signalled his interest in returning to the Bundesliga, particularly to his former club Hamburg. And its coach Labbadia refused to confirm or deny the rumors. "I cannot comment any names, but I have clear impressions of how I want the team to be and the club knows this," he told Sport Bild magazine. "I will not let anybody dictate anything to me in this respect." With Mladen Petric and Paolo Guerrero both sidelined in the long-term, HSV is on the lookout for a new offense player and Van der Vaart would certainly fit the bill.