Raul's agent last night claimed he had turned down an approach from Chelsea for the Real Madrid captain. Gines Carvajal said he had been contacted over a possible transfer that would take the Spanish international striker to Stamford Bridge.
"The agent Marc Roger, on behalf of Chelsea, asked me if Raul would be interested in entering negotiations for a transfer to Chelsea," said Carvajal. "I spoke to my client, Raul, and he said no."
Chelsea progressed to the final of the Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur after impressive performances from their new signings yesterday helped provide a 4-1 win over the Malaysian national team.
Glen Johnson, a recent £6 million purchase from West Ham, scored the fourth and a typically elusive run from £17 million Damien Duff set up Eidur Gudjohnsen for the penultimate goal. Frank Lampard and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also found the net.
However, in spite of the scoreline, it was not an easy win for Chelsea, who were held to 1-1 until the 70th minute after the defender Hairuddin Omar levelled Lampard's opener. Chelsea will meet Newcastle in tomorrow's final.
Raul has previously insisted the only club he would leave the Bernabeu for would be Manchester United, and even that would not be for years to come. The striker moved yesterday to dismiss any suggestion that he was seeking a move away from the Madrid, where he is a cult figure.
"There are two years left on my contract and, when we have to talk about (extending) that, we will. The club knows my intention is to stay and in my opinion all we have to do is sign and seal it."
Roger denied he was involved in an attempt to bring Raul to Chelsea, and dismissed recent reports that Claude Makelele was a target for the London club. "I do not deny that I have been in touch with Carvajal, but that was about other matters than Raul," said Roger. "I am not working for Chelsea. It seems to me that Carvajal is using me to enter negotiations with Real Madrid over a new contract."
The Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri yesterday made light of the names recently linked with his club. "Raul tonight, tomorrow it is Rivaldo," said Ranieri. "Maybe Raul must renew his contract."
Chelsea are known to be in the market for the world's leading players, but their most pressing need is for a ball-winner in midfield. With Emmanuel Petit currently recovering from surgery, the central position is undermanned at Chelsea.
"I need another midfielder because I am playing just Frank Lampard and other young players," added Ranieri.
Chelsea could be set for a new move for Roma's Emerson after an unofficial £17 million offer was turned down last week.
Roma's participation in Serie A next season has yet to be confirmed, amid concerns over their €46.75 million debt, but the Stadio Olimpico side are confident they will meet requirements in time for Tuesday's deadline.
