Real Madrid midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart is happy his name has been thrown up with a club like Chelsea.

The Dutchman has been almost frozen out of the Real line-up since the arrival of Juande Ramos and welcomes a change of fortune come summer time.

"There are always rumours, especially when you don't play, but for sure I'm honoured," the former Ajax talent told De Telegraaf.

"Hiddink is one of the best managers in the world and being part of his plans is not something easy.

"I think that it's obvious that I have been the principal victim of Schuster's departure and Juande Ramos' arrival.

"Apparently the gaffer doesn't rely on me."