Van der Vaart denies Chelsea rumors

Soccer Betting Lines

03/30/2009 - Madrid, Spain (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Netherlands midfield ace Rafael van der Vaart has denied reports suggesting that he is close to agreeing to a move to Chelsea from Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old has struggled to make his mark at the Bernabeu since his switch from Hamburg last summer, but van der Vaart insists that he is focused on matters in hand with Real.

He told his official website: "I hear there are rumors about me wanting to go to Chelsea, but I have never said that.

"I have not yet decided on my future. I don't know anything about it.

"At Real Madrid a lot of things are going to happen in the summer, a new president and maybe a new coach. So I'll just wait and see."

The Dutch playmaker had previously been quoted as saying: "Fortunately for me Chelsea want me, so I have everything clear.

"If Guus Hiddink remains at the helm of Chelsea, I hope that the signing will be closed soon. I want to leave Real Madrid."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)

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El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

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Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

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