Decision on Raul´s Schalke future soon

Schalke forward Raul has confirmed that he will learn his fate in January, as talks over a new contract are set to start.

The 34-year-old reportedly still receives two million euros from Real Madrid on top of the five million euros from the Bundesliga club, but these agreements will expire at the end of the season.

Schalke are unwilling to raise their contribution and this has prompted speculation that the Spain international might leave.

“I will continue to play (at Schalke in the meantime), but discussions (regarding my future) are scheduled for January,” Raul told Sky Deutschland.

The striker, who bagged a hat-trick in the 5-0 mauling of Werder Bremen on Saturday, has been one of the top performers for Schalke this season, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in 17 games.

His comments come in quick succession to those of sporting director Horst Heldt, who admitted that talks would begin soon.

Schalke consolidated third place in the Bundesliga after their emphatic win at the Veltins Arena.