Schalke in talks with Raul

04 July 2010 16:31

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.

Source: PA