Van der Vaart has learned that he is not in new coach Manuel Pellegrini’s plans for the season.
Real Madrid want to recoup the £13.5million they paid to Hamburg when the Dutchman joined the club 12 months ago.
“The coach told me I won’t get much chance to play, so it’s not an option to stay here,” Van der Vaart told De Telegraaf.
“Real want to get my transfer fee back. I completely understand that clubs want to wait.”
Van der Vaart has been linked with a move to Bundesliga side Hamburg.
He added: “Of course I am interested in HSV, but it’s not the only option for me.
“The most important thing is that I will play at a new club.”
