Raul linked

Cunny · April 5, 2006

2 or 3 years ago I'd have been excited by the prospect of Raul but now I'm not sure he's what we need or if he'd regain his best form.

http://217.158.112.238/vsite/vcontent/cont...ws-item,00.html

Liverpool are considering a shock summer move for Real Madrid legend Raul, writes Kevin Hatchard.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is aware that he must recruit a natural goalscorer this summer, and with top targets such as Valencia's David Villa out of reach, the Spaniard will have to be a touch more imaginative in the summer window.

Raul has struggled with injury this term, and has found himself on the bench more often than not under current coach Juan Roman Lopez Caro. Despite his recent troubles, he remains one of the finest goalscorers of his generation, helping Los Merengues to secure three Champions League titles and four La Liga championships.

Real would not sell such a talismanic figure against his wishes, but clubcall understands that club president Fernando Martin would not stand in the player's way should he wish to leave the Santiago Bernabeu. Benitez has excellent contacts at Real and is well aware of Raul's situation.

Although Liverpool have progressed well this season, Benitez is acutely aware that his strikeforce has been far from clinical, and the likes of Djibril Cisse and Florent Sinama-Pongolle could well be offloaded.

Peter Crouch will be retained after a largely impressive first season, and Robbie Fowler is likely to be awarded a new deal at the end of the season, but further firepower is needed for Liverpool to maintain a genuine Premiership title challenge.

A move for Raul could hinge on the continued presence at Anfield of Fernando Morientes. The two are firm friends, and Raul has often visited Liverpool to see his former Real Madrid team-mate.

The acquisition of Raul could re-energise a hitherto listless Morientes, who has managed just seven goals in 37 Premiership appearances.

Much depends on whether Benitez sees Raul as a player who could improve the squad at Anfield, as his recent injury problems have to be taken into account. Another factor will be the fee demanded by Real, as Benitez has limited transfer funds available.

Spike · April 5, 2006

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