Stevens fears losing Schalke stars

Schalke coach Huub Stevens fears the club may be powerless to keep Raul and Jefferson Farfan beyond the end of the season.

German media reports have claimed Raul will leave the Gelsenkirchen outfit when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, with Schalke reportedly unable to meet the player’s wage demands.

Schalke director Horst Heldt revealed last month the club had opened talks with the Spaniard regarding a new contract, but Stevens appears resigned to losing the striker.

“I am making plans with them (Raul and Farfan) only until the summer,” Stevens told Sport Bild.

“I do not have any hopes about them.”

“If clubs with some financial power come for them, we will have very few chances (of keeping them).”

It is believed Schalke are unwilling to increase their initial offer to Raul of 4 million euros per year, while Punto Pelota claims the veteran striker is leaning towards accepting an offer to play in Qatar next season.

The former Real Madrid forward, who joined Schalke in 2010, has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season.