Tottenham Hotspur may have pulled off a transfer coup by signing Rafael van der Vaart from Real Madrid for a cut price sum of £8 million and the player also insisted he was delighted to join the club after growing weary of fighting for his place at the La Liga giants, but just two weeks before, the Dutch World Cup star had indicated that leaving Real for any club other than Manchester United would have been “a step down”.

The Premier League finally gave Spurs the permission to sign the former Ajax star yesterday after initial problems with the Champions League qualifiers’ timely submission of paperwork.

“I could never play for another club in Spain. ” Van der Vaart had insisted just a couple of weeks before.

“If you are leaving Real Madrid, there is only one club you can join that is not a step down — and that’s Manchester United.”

The Dutch midfielder was singing a different tune yesterday after his transfer from the grandeur of the Bernabeu to White Hart Lane was confirmed.

“I want to play again and if possible every week, with a beautiful club. I’m totally happy.” Van der Vaart added.

“The fact Tottenham were playing in the Champions League influenced my decision a great deal although I know I have to earn my place in the team because they have a number of sensational players. I’m proud of this transfer.”

Spurs bos Harry Redknapp also explained why the club managed to score a cut price deal, enhancing his growing reputation as a “wheeler dealer”.

“The fee came crashing down because the deadline was so close. He’s a great passer of the ball, a top footballer and will be a big plus for us.” Redknapp explained.

Tags: English Premier League, La Liga, Manchester United, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, transfer news