• Premier League

Chelsea 'closest' to £40 million Eden Hazard

ESPN staff
October 21, 2011
Eden Hazard is valued at £40 million © PA Photos
Enlarge

Lille's Academy director Jean-Michel Vandamme has claimed Chelsea are paying most attention to £40 million-rated youngster Eden Hazard.

Chelsea boss Andre-Villas Boas is keen to introduce youth and flair to his squad at Stamford Bridge, fully aware that the likes of Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard are now enjoying their twilight years.

The Portuguese has already stated his admiration for Genk's Kevin De Bruyne, but it is Lille star Hazard who is currently attracting most attention around Europe. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Inter Milan are all believed to be pursuing the 20-year-old, but it is Chelsea who head the queue.

Inter captain Javier Zanetti recently confirmed the Italians are "very interested" in Hazard, although it appears they sit behind Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona as the player's preferred options.

"Eden is certainly willing to stay at Lille at least until next summer." Vandamme was quoted as saying in the Daily Mail. "The buyer will have to come up with a lot of money - let's say he is not currently to go for less than £40 million.

"Chelsea has been following him the closest. The Spaniards have not manifested themselves yet, but I think they are playing it smart and will call when they know they have to - I'm talking about Real Madrid, but also about Barcelona."

Hazard's agent has already revealed that Arsenal failed in their attempt to sign the playmaker during the summer transfer window.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices