The La Liga outfit now sports four Dutch internationals after today’s official announcement concerning the acquisition of midfielder Rafael van der Vaart. The 25-year-old has penned a five-year contract. Along with winger Arjen Robben, forward Ruud van Nistelrooy, midfielder Wesley Sneijder, and youngster Royston Drenthe, Real Madrid looks prepared to field an Oranje-centric squad. Sneijder, Robben, van der Vaart, and van Nistelrooy all factored into the Netherlands performance at Euro 2008. Sneijder was named to the Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament. The foursome also accounted for five goals this past June.
In other La Liga news, Atletico and former Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes looks ready to move to Benfica on a season-long loan. The 24-year-old made 26 appearances with Atletico last campaign but had difficulty scoring. Benfica will have an option to make the loan permanent if Reyes impresses in Portugal.
Finally, in case you missed this bit of Premiership news, Manchester United future star Danny Simpson is moving to Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old right back is on the brink of stardom but is blocked by the likes of Gary Neville and Wes Brown. Simpson could see the starting XI under Sir Alex as soon as next year.