Exclusive: Blackburn want Raul

Blackburn are making a remarkable move for Spanish legend Raul - and hope to talk him into a final move to the Premier League.

Rovers are in touch with the 34-year-old Real Madrid icon and hope to agree terms to sign him from German side Schalke.

Although now at the veteran stage, Raul could still be a hit for the club's publicity-hungry Indian owners, who want to make a big-name signing despite some recent blows.

Ironically, Raul was wanted by Sam Allardyce when he was in charge at Ewood park and his close pal and ex-Real team-mate Michel Salgado is trying to sell him on the idea of coming to Lancashire.

Rovers' owners, Venky's, have hit financial problems after their bank asked for their overdraft back, but are willing to find funds for players such as Raul.

Manager Steve Kean flew out to India last night for crunch talks on transfer strategy - and to go through the postponement of Rovers' trip to the country.

Kean and number two John Jensen boarded the plane that the squad refused to take to participate in a pre-season tour arranged by their owners.

The Venky's group are unhappy with the call-off, which was blamed on security fears but came after senior players complained about the idea.

Kean will give the owners a full briefing on the affair.

He claimed there was ‘no problem’ with the players but sources close to the dressing room have revealed a lot of discontent.

The young boss will also go through his transfer plans, which have been adjusted because of the financial issues.

Rovers are trying to find a bank to lend them money and are also hiring a leading Indian sports expert to help with transfers.

Venky's also want to bring in more of their ‘people’ at all levels after losing senior staff since their takeover.