Schalke eye Premier League pair

Schalke coach Huub Stevens has confirmed his interest in signing Rafael van der Vaart and Salomon Kalou this summer.

Van der Vaart has stressed he is happy at Spurs but Stevens, who worked with the Netherlands international at Hamburg, has not given up hope of convincing the 29-year-old to return to the Bundesliga. Stevens said: "I would love to work with him again. We have contacts with his agent. Every day I speak to Horst Heldt [Schalke's general manager] on the phone about our plans. "There are rumours circulating that Rafael would return to Germany. But I have not heard from his mouth. I have not spoken with him and we'll have to see after Euro 2012 . "He has a contract so we will have to pay a ransom. If Rafa really wants it, he is welcome. "If that opportunity arises, and he looks forward to it, let him come." Ivory Coast international Kalou is a free agent after seeing his contract with Chelsea come to an end and Stevens admits he is a target, but the Schalke coach is aware he has competition from Liverpool for the signature of the 26-year-old. "Kalou is a Bosman player this summer," he added. "It's obvious; there are many other clubs keen on him. Liverpool for example. But I know for sure he wants to move away from England. This could be our chance."