Post by Taxigirl on Oct 24, 2003 16:21:04 GMT
The agent of Raul has confirmed that Chelsea offered a staggering €100 million (£70 million) for the Real Madrid striker during the summer.
Gines Carvajal, who also looks after the interests of Michel Salgado, made the relevation whilst speaking to radio station Onda Seis.
Raul, 26, is currently on the verge of opening talks with Real over a new contract, and Carvajal insists that despite the West Londoners' interest in his client, the Spanish international hit-man will extend his stay at El Santiago Bernabeu.
"Raul is ready to re-sign, because he wants to re-sign, although it is certain that Chelsea offered Real Madrid €100 million for him," declared Carvajal.
The staggering size of the sum offered by Roman Abramovich-backed Chelsea would have represented a world record transfer fee, eclipsing the £46 million paid by Real for Zinedine Zidane.
Carvajal went on to reveal that Salgado's future at the reigning Spanish champions was not as clear-cut as that of his team mate.
The agent stated that Real were desperate to retain the defender's services, and that the player himself was keen to stay, but added that the club's initial contract offer was not to Salgado's satisfaction.
While hinting that he was hopeful a compromise could be reached to keep the former Celta Vigo star in Madrid, Carvajal acknowledged that the player would be prepared to move on if his demands were not met.
"Michel Salgado wants to continue at Real Madrid, but not at any price," he went on.
"If the renewal is not possible we will have to go to another place."
Carvajal insisted that the only official contract offer he had received for Salgado had come from Real, but conceded there was widespread interest in his client - who becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
"Last year we had offers from a European team, but Real always denied that he could leave.
"We now have an offer from Real Madrid that is not totally to our satisfaction, but I give my word that we have not had any other firm offers for Michel Salgado, not from Chelsea, and not from any other club that isn't Real Madrid.
"Florentino Perez (Real Madrid president) wants Salgado to stay. I know that he has made a big effort and, though I don't know if he will make another, it's certain that he wants him to stay."
Real have already stated that they do not want Salgado's contractual situation to become a drawn out saga, and a definitive answer on whether the defender does stay is expected by the start of next week.