Schalke offer Raul contract extension

Schalke have offered veteran Spanish striker Raul a new contract. But as Schalke's director of sport Horst Heldt and Raul's agent Gines Carvajal have been unable to find a suitable time to meet and discuss the 34-year-old's future, Heldt has sent him an email with his club's offer. Raul's current contract is up for renewal in the summer and Schalke are keen for him to extend his stay in Gelsenkirchen. "We agreed that we would send Gines Carvajal our proposal using a modern communication method, meaning email," said Heldt on the Bundesliga club's website. "The simple reason for this is that he has been abroad for a few days and, since we have several midweek games, we were unable to find a suitable time to meet in person," he went on.  "Therefore, we are both very pleased with this solution." Heldt will now be keeping a close eye on his mailbox, awaiting Raul's response. "Firstly, Raul's agent has to take his time considering the offer and then he will discuss it with the player," added Heldt. "We have tentatively agreed to meet at the end of March to talk about it. That means we are fully on schedule." Heldt hopes that the talks will lead to a positive conclusion. "He is definitely a very important player for us," he said. "He has scored 11 goals in the Bundesliga this season alone and is always totally committed. "We are very proud to have such a unique footballer playing for Schalke."