According to a report, Real Madrid are moving closer to signing Raul de Tomas after receiving a massive boost following the player’s situation at Espanyol.

Sources claim there is a rift between the player and his manager at Espanyol which led to him being left out of the Catalan club’s squad to face Brighton in a preseason friendly. The two reportedly didn’t see eye-to-eye during their first meeting and it appears matters have only gotten worse. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, De Tomas wants to stay at Espanyol until January before leaving in order to earn a place in Spain’s World Cup squad. But such a thought didn’t go down well with Espanyol boss Marrtinez who has questioned the player’s lack of commitment.

Despite being in a personal training regime, the 27-year-old has been linked with the likes of Sevilla, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich this summer, but might find it difficult to leave Espanyol as they are likely to demand in the range of €25-40m for his signature with him having a contract until 2026.