Real Madrid have reportedly given Raul permission to hold discussions with Villarreal regarding their vacant managerial position.
The 46-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest players in Real's history, contributing 323 goals during his 741 appearances in all competitions.
Raul has since transferred his knowledge to the youth ranks at Los Blancos, being with the club's Castilla team since 2019.
As well as guiding the club to the UEFA Youth League in his first season, Raul has recorded 58 wins from his 135 matches in charge.
However, such is his growing reputation in the dugout that Raul is always considered as an option for the head coach role of the first team whenever it becomes available.
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Carlo Ancelotti may allegedly depart Real at the end of 2023-24, providing president Florentino Perez with a decision to make over whether to promote Raul to the senior dugout.
Nevertheless, according to Marca, it appears that the Spanish footballing legend may soon make the step up at another La Liga giant.
After starting the season with three defeats in four matches, Villarreal have sacked Quique Setien and seemingly set their sights on Raul.
Setien had only been in charge since October, but the former Barcelona boss only delivered 18 wins from his 39 matches in charge, losing on 15 occasions.
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The report says that Real officials have given Raul permission to hold discussions with their counterparts at the Yellow Submarine.
Raul is said to be interested in taking on the challenge at Estadio de la Ceramica, one that remains one of the most attractive in the country outside of Real and Barcelona.
That said, the report adds that the former forward has already rejected a number of offers in recent months and is in no rush to leave his role in the capital.
A decision is expected to be made relatively quickly with Villarreal keen to have a new head coach in charge before the end of the international break.
Darren Plant
