Raul 'is given the green light to leave Real Madrid to become Villarreal's boss'

Real Madrid have given Raul the green light to become Villarreal's new manager, according to reports in Spain.

Raul has impressed since taking over at Real Madrid Castilla - Los Blancos' reserve team - in 2019 and was pursued by several clubs across Europe this summer including Leeds United, Eintracht Frankfurt, Schalke and Espanyol.

Until now, the Spaniard has decided to remain at the Bernabeu to focus on Real Madrid's youth project - but the challenge of taking over as Villarreal manager is one that reportedly interests Raul.

Villarreal sacked former head coach Quique Setien on Tuesday after enduring a turbulent start to the new LaLiga campaign.

The Yellow Submarine sit 15th in the league heading into the international break, with just one win and three losses from their opening four matches.

According to Marca, Raul and his entourage have told Real Madrid's leaders that he is interested in the Villarreal position, and the Bernabeu chiefs are happy for him to leave.

Raul is considered a club legend at Real Madrid, having scored 228 goals in 550 appearances for the LaLiga giants.

The 46-year-old coach has made no secret of his desire to become Real Madrid's first team manager one day, and successful spell at Villarreal could bring Raul closer to that dream.

Raul is believed to have an excellent relationship with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is still being heavily linked with a move to become Brazil's national team head coach.