The Primera Liga champions have been persistently chasing Ronaldo since the end of last season, but Manchester United refused to let go their star player.

As a result, the Madridistas are set to focus on Van der Vaart, who was also linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu in late.

"Ronaldo is the best in the world at the moment, but if we cannot sign him then I would be just as happy with Van der Vaart," the German told Spanish daily AS.

The Hamburg skipper, who was eyeing a bigger move last year, recently revealed that he is settled at Nordbank Arena after the arrival of fellow Dutchman Martin Jol.

HSV sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer said last week that Real made a 'ridiculous offer' for the 25-year-old playmaker.

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