Real Madrid striker Raul has reportedly agreed a deal to switch to German side Schalke 04.
Los Merengues legend prepares to move on
Real Madrid striker Raul has reportedly agreed a deal to switch to German side Schalke 04.
The 33-year-old former Spain international has been a stalwart for Madrid in recent years, although he has now fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabeu.
Raul is rumoured to have already signed a two-year contract with the Bundesliga side, although the deal until June 2011 will not be finalised until he returns from his holiday, according to the Spanish press.
He is thought to have received other offers from clubs in the USA and Qatar, but a move to Germany is his preferred option.
Raul is set to move for no fee, as new Real manager Jose Mourinho tries to build a new squad after taking the reins in the Spanish capital last month.
Raul's salary is reportedly €4million (£3.3m) per annum at Schalke and he has the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League next season after they finished second in the Bundesliga last term.
The experienced striker has been a professional with Real for 16 years and is regarded as a legend among the club's fans.
However, despite the speculation, Schalke manager Felix Magath insists a deal has not been agreed yet.
"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."
