Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has dismissed talk of a bid for Real Madrid striker Raul, claiming all the speculation is just another example of agents trying to exploit the club’s spending potential.
Reports in Spain at the weekend claimed City had offered 31-year-old Raul the chance to finish his career in England with a lucrative contract.
On Monday, the Madrid captain said his representatives had indeed been contacted by City, but stated his intention to finish his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“It’s true that there has been contact with my representative, Gines Carvajal, from Manchester City, but I’ve not considered it, because I’m not going to leave here,” Raul told Marca.
But Hughes claims there was no official approach from his club and has spoken out after becoming increasingly annoyed by the number of players being linked with a move to Eastlands.
“What everyone has to understand is that there are a lot of people out there who profess to have mandates to work for Manchester City and who are approaching players, apparently on our behalf telling players they can get deals for them and asking if they are interested,” the City boss said.
“Some players then react and some don’t but it is a situation that has happened time and time again this year and that is why there is so much speculation about players that we supposedly approach.
“There are a lot of people who are out there who would like to manufacture deals and situations where they would in turn become part of a big money move for a player to come to City.
“Raul is an exceptionally talented and great player and has been for many years. He is someone I clearly admire and respect enormously and has done great things for his club and his country but I have not tried to sign him. He will not be coming to City.”
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