Van der Vaart has sympathy for Modric

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Rafael van der Vaart believes every player wants to play for Real Madrid after admitting it is currently a 'difficult situation' for Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Luka Modric.

Real have made Modric their prime transfer target and the Primera Liga champions are hoping to beat Premier League clubs to the Croatian midfielder's signature.

Modric was wanted by Chelsea last summer only for Spurs to stand firm, but the 26-year-old now appears to be trying to force a move to the Santiago Bernabeu after not flying out for his club's pre-season trip to the United States.

He is expected to be disciplined by Spurs for missing the flight to Los Angeles and former Real schemer Van der Vaart understands the lure of playing for the Spanish giants.

"You can't compare Real Madrid with other teams because they are the biggest team in the world," Van der Vaart told Sky Sports News.

"It was really an honour that I played there and I'm still really thankful.

"I think every player wants to play there."

Van der Vaart also revealed that he has spoken to Modric regarding Real's interest and remains hopeful that the situation can be resolved.

The Dutchman said in AS: "I went to Luka's house and spoke to him after training. I told him what happened to me when I wanted to sign for Real [from Hamburg].

"I've been one of the closest people to Modric in the dressing room and I feel for him. It is a difficult situation.

"The chairman is angry, but Luka is very upset with what is happening. I think everything will be fixed in three or four days."