Chelsea could have signed Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart in the summer, it has been revealed. Instead of spending £10 million to land the Dutchman from Real Madrid, the Blues spent £24m on Yossi Benayoun and Ramires.
A Chelsea insider told The Sun: "We had a call to say Jose Mourinho was ready to let Van der Vaart leave Real Madrid for around £10m and did w>e want him.
"But it was decided he wasn't good enough so we passed on him. That's not looking the best of decisions is it?"
The source added: "Van der Vaart is just the sort of player we need - someone with flair, skill and vision.
"Our midfielders are too alike - they are strong and powerful, good athletes but not with a great deal of invention."
