Liverpool have launched talks with Real Madrid for Rafael van der Vaart.

The Sun says Liverpool hope to strike a £6 million deal with Real for the Dutch playmaker.

Anfield sources have stressed that discussions are very much at a preliminary level.

Real tried to offload the one-time Ajax golden boy a year ago and did not even give him a squad number at the start of the season.

Van der Vaart has gradually forced his way back into the Real side but the Spaniards are still willing to sell.