Transfer news

Schalke chief claims Raul will stay

January 14, 2012
By ESPNsoccernet staff

Schalke president Clemens Tonnies is confident Spanish forward Raul will sign a new contract to prolong his stay at the club.

Raul celebrates after re-establishing Schalke's lead over Steaua Bucuresti
GettyImagesRaul has become an important player for Schalke

Raul, 34, is in his second season in the Bundesliga following his 2010 arrival from Real Madrid and though his contract expires this summer, Tonnies believes the former Spain and Real captain will remain at Schalke.

"All of the signals coming from Raul in recent days have been extremely positive," Tonnies told Bild.

"He has already dropped anchor in Schalke and he identifies himself with the club and the fans. He really feels happy here. I have a very good feeling."

Raul has scored 10 Bundesliga goals so far this season and has offered the club more than many thought he would following his exit from Real, helping them reach last year's Champions League quarter-finals.