Hamburg: Renewed Interest In Bradley

Now that Rafael van der Vaart has been sold to Real Madrid, Hamburger SV is shopping for an attacking player to fill the gap. Both the Hamburg press and Kicker report that the two main candidates are Spartak Moscow striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and Heerenveen's attacking midfielder Michael Bradley (currently in China playing for the US Olympic team).

Hamburg coach Martin Jol has made it clear that he isn't looking for a project, but rather a player who is ready to contribute now. He told Kicker: "In this market its not easy..."but its clear, I want a player who is ready - otherwise its a joke."

Hamburg president and German soccer legend Uwe Seeler seemed to favor bringing in the Russian when he told Sport1.de: "What we're missing up front is a crusher, a poacher, someone who can bring pressure all on his own."

But Hamburg officials also admitted that Pavlyuchenko may be too difficult to acquire, in particular since the Russian is being courted by Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham; all with deeper pockets than the Bundesliga club. Bradley may be a bit easier to acquire, provided Hamburg is willing to match or exceed Monaco's reported $13 million transfer offer.