Raul set for Schalke stay

Veteran Spanish striker Raul will not leave Schalke, according to the Bundesliga club’s sporting director Horst Heldt.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Champions League semi-finalists revealed that Blackburn Rovers had made an official bid for the 34-year-old.

But despite rumours of unrest at Gelsenkirchen, the former Real Madrid and Spain captain has turned down a move to the English Premier League club.

“Raul’s agent told me that his client does not want to go to Blackburn. He will stay at Schalke,” Heldt told Bild.

“Both our coach Ralf Rangnick and my colleague Peter Peters as well as myself have always stressed that we did not want him to leave.”

“We are pleased that Raul wants to contribute everything he can to make us a sporting success.”

Raul became a crowd favourite at Schalke for his spirited performances last season, particularly in the Champions League.

Reported conflict over his role at the club had prompted rumours of his potential departure.

But after discussions between player and club, the Spaniard’s future appears to be in Gelsenkirchen – at least until his contract expires at the end of the season.