Raul Resists Chelsea's Advances

Raul's agent claimed on Friday night that the Real Madrid striker had turned down an approach from Chelsea.

The agent, Gines Carvajal, said he had been contacted over a possible transfer to Stamford Bridge for the Madrid skipper. English newspapers have reported that Chelsea were willing to pay a staggering £71 million to secure Raul's services. That would have set a new world record fort a transfer fee.

But Carvajal said: "The agent Marc Roger, on behalf of Chelsea, asked me if Raul would be interested in entering negotiations for a transfer to Chelsea. I spoke to my client, Raul, and he said 'no'."

Raul has previously stated that the only club he would leave Real for would be Manchester United, and even that would not be for years to come.

And he has now firmly dispelled any speculation that he might be seeking a move away from the Bernabeu, where he has earned cult status among Real's fans.

"There are two years left on my contract and when we have to talk about [extending] that, we will," said Raul. "The club knows my intention is to stay and in my opinion all we have to do is sign and seal it."

However, Roger has denied he was involved in any attempt to bring Raul to Chelsea, and also dismissed recent reports that the Blues had targeted Raul's team-mate Claude Makelele.

"I do not deny that I have been in touch with Carvajal but that was about other matters than Raul," said Roger. "I am not working for Chelsea. It seems to me that Carvajal is using me to enter negotiations with Real Madrid over a new contract."

And from Malaysia, Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri joked about all the speculation that now surrounds his mega-wealthy, free-spending club. "Raul tonight, tomorrow it is Rivaldo," said Ranieri. "Maybe Raul must renew his contract."