Real Madrid play down talk of Raul agreement for 2010

Real Madrid have played down reports yesterday that captain Raul has agreed terms over a contract that will keep him with the club until 2010.

Spanish radio reports stated Raul had agreed verbally on a new contract, but was yet to put pen to paper.

Real denied the story late yesterday, but sports chief Jorge Valdano said, "Michel Salgado, Guti and Raul are the three players who at the moment have offers from Real Madrid to renew their contracts."

"The desire of the club is that these talks are complete before the 30th of this month - we don't wish to live in the state of instability."