Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is lining up a sensational move for Real Madrid captain Raul.
The Mirror says Benitez will refuse to become involved in any bidding war as he believes the Spanish club will let their only home-grown "galactico" leave for nothing.
Real's biggest problem in getting rid of Raul is his £112,000-a-week wages, which few clubs could afford, particularly if they had to pay a hefty transfer fee for a player believed to be passed his peak.
But a source close to Benitez said: "Rafa hasn't the cash to pay silly money for Raul and if he makes any sort of move now then it will become unfeasible.
"But it does seem Real may be looking to change, with Martin thinking the club can't go forward unless it takes some major steps.
"And if that means they're ready to let him go for nothing or a nominal fee, as a mark of respect, to clear the way for new players, Rafa could be able to entice him to Liverpool."
The Mirror says Benitez will refuse to become involved in any bidding war as he believes the Spanish club will let their only home-grown "galactico" leave for nothing.
Real's biggest problem in getting rid of Raul is his £112,000-a-week wages, which few clubs could afford, particularly if they had to pay a hefty transfer fee for a player believed to be passed his peak.
But a source close to Benitez said: "Rafa hasn't the cash to pay silly money for Raul and if he makes any sort of move now then it will become unfeasible.
"But it does seem Real may be looking to change, with Martin thinking the club can't go forward unless it takes some major steps.
"And if that means they're ready to let him go for nothing or a nominal fee, as a mark of respect, to clear the way for new players, Rafa could be able to entice him to Liverpool."
