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Reading are exploring a sensational move for former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur star Rafael van der Vaart.

The attacking midfielder, who has 109 caps for the Netherlands, is available this summer having been told he has no future with his current club Real Betis.

And getreading understands informal discussions have taken place between Reading and the 33-year-old, who has not ruled out the possibility of moving to Madejski Stadium.

Van der Vaart and Jaap Stam played together for the Dutch national team - both were part of the side that were knocked out by hosts Portugal in the Euro 2004 semi-final.

Royals’ boss has been busy in the transfer market this summer but he remains on the look out for a player who can operate on the left hand side of the attack.

Middlesbrough’s Adam Reach is a major target, but the Teessiders have yet to decide whether they will allow him to leave and Stam does not want to wait too long for a decision.

So the club are exploring other options and van der Vaart’s availability is being taken seriously - although a move remains unlikely due to the Dutchman’s high wages.

The former Spurs star, who spent two successful years at White Hart Lane between 2010-2012, has been in Amsterdam this summer working with a personal trainer as he looks to find a new club.

He still has one-year left on his contract at Betis - but admitted in a recent interview with Fox Sports that a move away looks likely.

“As everyone knows, they don’t want me there,” he said. “I’ll go and train and see what happens. If I don’t leave in the end, I want to earn my place in the team.

“I have a trainer in Amsterdam and I’m training hard with him every day. There is contact with other clubs, but nothing concrete.”