JAAP Stam has launched a bold move to bring his former Holland team-mate Rafael van der Vaart to Reading FC.

Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting Royals have held initial talks with the ex-Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

Van der Vaart's current club Real Betis have informed him he is not part of their long-terms plans, despite having one year left on his contract.

The 33-year-old, who boasts 109 Netherlands caps and 25 international goals, is now looking for a new club and is believed to be keen on a move to England.

Van der Vaart played in the same Dutch national team as Stam for a number of years and both were in the side that reached the Euro 2004 semi finals.

He was also a firm favourite among Spurs fans during a successful spell at White Hart Lane between 2010-12 when he scored 24 goals in 63 league appearances.

Van der Vaart has spent most of the summer working on his fitness in Amsterdam, amid rumours Reading have been in contact with his representatives over a possible move to Madejski Stadium.

If Stam is successful, van der Vaart would become the second ex-Real Madrid star to play for Reading in the past three years following Royston Drenthe.

Stam has made six new signings in the past few weeks and has been heavily linked with Manchester United defender, Tyler Blackett, and Middlesbrough winger, Adam Reach.

It is believed Reading are preparing to step up their interest in Blackett this week, though Boro are yet to decide whether to allow Reach to leave the Riverside Stadium.