Madrid star Raúl may come to MLS

Real Madrid legend Raúl may be on his way to Major League Soccer this summer if reports from Spain are accurate.

According to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, Raúl will head to the States at the conclusion of the current season. Despite having a year left on his contract with Real, the Spanish club is reportedly trying to get the captain to leave early and leave the $10.3 million of his final contract year behind.

Back in February, Raúl expressed genuine interest in coming to MLS after his contract expired with Real Madrid, saying: "As an experience, not just for me but also for my family, I could try to play a year probably in the United States," and adding that any move would likely come in 2011.

However there now seems to be a real possibility of the move coming a year earlier.

Several clubs in Major League Soccer could be involved in the chase for the legendary striker, as well as have the funds to sign a high-profile player -- including the newly formed Philadelphia Union, who could take a page from 2009 expansion club Seattle in signing a European superstar to help lead the way and draw crowds.

The inclusion of a major name from Europe has been a huge draw for MLS teams with Freddie Ljungberg's Seattle Sounders and David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy drawing the largest average crowds in 2009. --Goal.com