FORMER Real Madrid striker Raul is claimed to have rejected the chance to join Blackburn Rovers – after the club finally made an enquiry into the 34-year-old.

Rovers owners Venky’s have distanced themselves from a rumoured move for the veteran all summer but, with Raul discontent at German outfit Schalke, they opted to make a move.

Just a few hours after confirming Rovers’ approach though, Schalke’s general manager Horst Heldt released a statement saying the 34-year-old has turned them down.

He told Schalke’s website tonight (Tuesday): “We have always stressed that we do not want to leave him.

“Raul told us that he wants to stay with Schalke 04 and asked us to cancel the Blackburn Rovers. We have already done.

“We are pleased that Raul wants to continue to contribute to all that we are sporting success."

Sources close to Venky's have suggested it was Schalke that rejected Blackburn's approach, rather than the player himself.

Raul becomes the latest of a line of high profile names Rovers owners have failed to land since buying the club back in November, including David Beckham and Ronaldinho.

Venky’s have declined to comment on the speculation, having been ridiculed in the past for their attempts to sign high-profile players, but sources close to them said they were confident of landing Real’s former Galactico.

It is understood Raul’s close friend and former Spain and Real team mate Michel Salgado was attempting to persuade him into considering a sensational move to Ewood Park.

Schalke’s general manager Horst Heldt confirmed an approach from Rovers had been received earlier today, having just 24 hours earlier said Schalke had received no official enquiries for the striker.

He said: “We have an official request from Blackburn Rovers received by mail. Then we have taken it to his advisor.”

The German outfit are now hopeful Raul will stay with them having forced their player into a quick decision by making Rovers’ interest public.

Heldt’s revelation will upset Venky’s, who will feel they have been used by Schalke.

The signing would have gone some way to lifting an increasingly disgruntled Ewood faithful after a summer that has left Rovers with a very depleted and inexperienced squad.

Raul is Real Madrid’s record goal scorer and appearance maker, with 323 goals in 741 matches, and established himself as an all-time great, winning three Champions League titles and six La Liga titles.

He enjoyed a successful first season with Schalke last campaign, starring in their run to the Champions League semi final.