Schalke chase Premier League duo

Schalke head coach Huub Stevens has expressed his desire to bring Premier League duo Rafael van der Vaart and Salomon Kalou to the club.

Stevens is eager to be reunited with van der Vaart after coaching him while the pair were at Hamburg, while he is also keen to fight off competition for Kalou, who will be available on a free transfer when his contract runs out at the end of June.

"[Van der Vaart's] qualities are unprecedented," 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.

"Kalou is a Bosman player this summer. 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."

Stevens is currently enjoying a second spell in charge of Schalke, having previously managed them from 1996-2002, during which time he won the UEFA Cup.