Hamburg coach Armin Veh admits he is eager to keep hold of Ruud van Nistelrooy amid speculation linking the striker with a return to Real Madrid.
The Dutch striker, who scored the winner against Schalke at the weekend, admits he is tempted by Jose Mourinho’s reported interest in bringing him back to the Bernabeu.
But Veh insists the 34-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer, is an key member of his squad.
The Hamburg boss told ZDF television: “I have been aware of that (the reported interest of Real) since Thursday now and I have already been in touch directly with Ruud about this link.
“We have not been receiving any bid from Real Madrid and I really do not want to miss Ruud, this is my point of view. I would want him to stay.
“Ruud is actually in a state of fitness he has never had before in his spell at our club.
“Him moving on would be a bitter loss for Hamburger SV. We are desperate to do everything we can to ensure he is going to remain here.
“Although I am absolutely able to understand his situation and viewpoints on all this, Ruud van Nistelrooy is a great player and person.”
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