Marca reported the Premiership big-spenders were in talks with the Spanish champions over a summer deal for the 31-year-old, whose extendable contract at Real expires in a couple of years.

It's believed that Raul's agent Gines Carvajal and representatives of City owners have worked out contractual terms, and agreed on a four-year deal for a fee of €40 million.

The same report also mentioned that former Real man Robinho, who was snapped up by the Citizens last summer, put in a good word for Raul with City's officials.

The experienced striker is well-settled at the capital side in the meantime, but his status is likely to take a turn to the worse in case Florentino Perez was reinstated as Real president.

City have been targeting a host of high-profile stars since they were bought by Abu Dhabi United Group last September.