Schalke in talks with Raul
Schalke manager Felix Magath has confirmed the club are in
talks with Real Madrid striker Raul, but insists nothing has yet
been completed.
Spain's AS newspaper revealed that the Bundesliga side had made a
move for the veteran forward and that a move is imminent. However,
Magath, while confirming that negotiations are underway, believes a
decision may not be made for a month.
"We are interested in him and are negotiating with his agent,"
Magath told Bild newspaper. "The player has not decided yet and
wants time until the end of July to make up his mind. It would be a
huge signing for Schalke and the whole Bundesliga."
The Royal Blues, who finished second to Bayern Munich last season,
are desperate to sign a new striker for the upcoming campaign after
seeing Kevin Kuranyi, Gerald Asamoah and Vicente Sanchez all leave
this summer.
Raul has spent his whole career at Madrid since joining as a youth
team player in 1992, scoring 323 goals in 741 games, but the former
Spain captain appears to be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu
and could be released from his contract one year early.
A deal could only be done if the 33-year-old were to become
available on a free transfer as Schalke do not have the funds to
pay for a transfer fee, but Magath is counting on another member of
his squad to help seal the deal.
Christoph Metzelder was Raul's team mate for the last three years
and could be the key to tempting Raul to move to the Bundesliga
after joining the Royal Blues himself on a free transfer this
summer.
"We have Christoph's friendship with Raul to thank for the chance
of us signing such a player," added Magath.
The Press Association