Reports suggest that Real Madrid Castilla coach Raul has been granted permission by his club to enter negotiations with Villarreal.
Villarreal is actively seeking a new manager following the dismissal of Quique Setien just four games into the season. Raul is among the four potential candidates being considered by Villarreal as a replacement for Setien.
Marcelo Gallardo and Julen Lopetegui are reported to have declined the position. Other contenders for the role include former Getafe coach Quique Sanchez Flores, ex-Valladolid manager Pacheta, and Rodolfo Martin Arruabarrena, who recently managed the United Arab Emirates national team.
Notably, Raul, aged 46, lacks experience coaching top-flight teams, having primarily managed Real Madrid’s youth teams and reserves.
Villarreal has encountered a mixed start to the season, winning one and losing three of their initial four league matches.