Leeds wanted Raul to replace Jesse Marsch “at all costs” but the Real Madrid legend was unwilling to take over mid-season

REAL MADRID legend Raul has reportedly turned down the chance to take over as Leeds United manager.

The Yorkshire Club sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday after less than a year in office.

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The 49-year-old American paid the price on a run without a win in seven Premier League games, his tenure ending in a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Leeds’ terrible form has put them 17th in the table, above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Former boss Marcelo Bielsa was immediately installed as one of the favorites to take over, while his former coach Carlos Corberan, now at West Brom, is another frontrunner.

Now, however, AS have claimed Leeds have approached legendary former Real Madrid striker Raul, 45, wanting him to become their new manager “at all costs”.

However, the Spaniard missed the opportunity as he is reportedly waiting to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the top job at the Bernabeu.

He currently coaches the Madrid reserve side and felt the England team’s approach was ‘not the right timing’.

They add that Raul – who is in the middle of a promotion battle with Castilla to the second division – refused to change clubs mid-campaign.

Raul has been in his current role for four years.

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During his remarkable playing career, he made 741 appearances for Madrid and scored 323 goals – a club record broken by Cristiano Ronaldo.

He spent 16 seasons at the Bernabeu, winning three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups, six La Liga titles, four Spanish Super Cups and the UEFA Super Cup.

Raul made a brief stint in the Bundesliga at Schalka in 2010 before moving to Qatar club Al Sadd and then New York Cosmos in America to end his playing career and pursue a career in coaching.