Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has dismissed talk of a bid for Real Madrid striker Raul, claiming it is the latest example of agents trying to take advantage of the club's vast resources.
Reports in Spain at the weekend suggested City would offer Raul the chance to finish his career in England, but the 31-year-old Madrid captain - who has spent his entire career at the club - has already rejected the idea himself.
Hughes has now spoken out as well as he grows frustrated with the sheer number of players being linked with the club.
"What everyone has to understand is that there are a lot of people out there who profess to have mandates to work for Manchester City and who are approaching players, apparently on our behalf telling players they can get deals for them and asking if they are interested," he said on the club's website.
"Some players then react and some don't but it is a situation that has happened time and time again this year and that is why there is so much speculation about players that we supposedly approach.
"There are a lot of people who are out there who would like to manufacture deals and situations where they would in turn become part of a big money move for a player to come to City.
"Raul is an exceptionally talented and great player and has been for many years. He is someone I clearly admire and respect enormously and has done great things for his club and his country but I have not tried to sign him. He will not be coming to City."
Agent brags about options for Tevez
Carlos Tevez's agent claims the striker will have no shortage of options if his spell at Manchester United ends at the end of the month.
Agent Adrian Ruocco confirmed Argentina international Tevez is attracting interest from Italy and Spain, plus clubs from within the English Premier League.
Tevez has scored crucial goals for United this season but said at the weekend that he expects to leave the club at the end of his two-year loan contract.
The 25-year-old claimed he had not been treated as "one of the family" at Old Trafford.
Ruocco told Argentinian newspaper Ole: "He might move to Spain, Italy or stay in England. There are interested clubs from all those countries.
"He already said he would like to stay in the Premier League because he likes football in the country, so he fortunately will decide where he will play. He is lucky to have the chance to choose."
Ruocco has been surprised that United have not moved to sign Tevez permanently.
Ruocco said: "There was no will from the directors and the coach (Sir Alex Ferguson) to sign a new contract.
"On May 31, he will have no club and no contract. I don't know why, but Manchester (United) have not asked for any renewal (of the loan) nor signing him for next season."
He added: "The directors and the coach do not seem to want him, while on the other hand fans love him."
Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian stressed the striker would not rush to a decision over his future before the season ends.
Although a permanent move to United remains a possibility, Joorabchian is aware of interest in the former West Ham frontman.
Joorabchian says any club seriously considering a move for Tevez would have to prove their ambition.
"There's a lot of interest in Carlos, but Carlos has always been very focused and very concentrated," Joorabchian told Sky Sports News.
"For the respect of the team, the manager, the club, and the fans, we have to stay focused on finishing the season on a high.
"This is how he's always been. He wants to do the best he can.
"He will let the season finish and then sit down and evaluate the situation."
Joorabchian indicated Tevez would "move on and think about his own future" if there is no movement by United to sign him permanently, with a move to another English club a desirable option.
"What he wants to do is to go to a club which has real ambition, a real focus, to be champions of England, champions of Europe, champions of everywhere," Joorabchian said.
"Obviously leaving United he would have to go to a rival in order to achieve that target.
"But he understands it's not in his control."
"I don't want to direct, saying it's going to be Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham - whoever you can pick out - Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus.
"The key is that at the present moment Carlos is a United player and he's focused on being a United player for the rest of the season."
