Real Madrid open contract talks this week with Raul

Real Madrid will hold talks with Raul's representatives this week about a new contract extension.

Raul's agent, Gines Carvajal, will meet with Real officials on Wednesday to discuss terms and also the extra responsibilities that will be placed on the striker as captain following the departure of Fernando Hierro.

Raul's current deal runs out in 2005 and Real have made securing the club captain to a new extension a priority.

His last contract was signed under the previous Real management and president Florentino Perez and sports chief Jorge Valdano want the player's image rights to come in-line with the rest of their galacticos.