By James Dalton

REPORTS suggest Harry Redknapp is preparing an audacious bid to bring Real Madrid legend Raul to north London this summer.

Striker Raul found opportunities limited at the Bernabeu last season, and as new boss Jose Mourinho strives to improve the latest Galaticos project, the club's all-time record scorer appears to realise that, at the age of 33, first-team action may lie elsewhere.

Raul holds iconic status in Madrid after 16 prolific and fruitful years, but his release from the club is imminent.

This leaves an attractive proposition for many European clubs; a forward of the highest calibre with almost unrivalled experience in the Champions League, in which Spurs find themselves this season, available on a free transfer.

Redknapp is in the hunt for a forward, having so far failed to recapture Eidur Gudjohnsen from Monaco, and the Sun claim the manager is ready to turn his gaze to Raul.

The only potential stumbling block appears to be Raul’s substantial wage demands. A lucrative early retirement may beckon in the UAE or in Major League Soccer, following in the steps of David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Fabio Cannavaro. However, Spurs are reported to be heading the hunt, along with German side Schalke for the forward's signature.