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Utd prepare bid for Hazard as Fergie admits interest

Could Eden Hazard move to Old Trafford in the summer? © Getty Images

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed his interest in Lille forward Eden Hazard, heightening the possibility he will make a bid in the summer.

Hazard announced at the start of the season that he will be leaving the Ligue 1 champions in the summer, as he looks to take his talents to a bigger stage. Clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid have been strongly linked with the Belgium international since that announcement - although United have remained on the periphery of the race for his signature.

However, first-team coach Rene Meulensteen revealed earlier this month that Ferguson had taken a close interest in the technically-gifted forward - and the Scot has now confirmed he scouted the 21-year-old against Lyon in March with an eye to a possible bid.

"I was at the game and watched Hazard, as well as other players," Ferguson told French station Radio RMC. "That's part of my job, looking at good players.

"Hazard is a very good player and has a lot of qualities. He's particularly quick over the first 10 yards."

The player has previously acknowledged that it is flattering to have a club like Manchester United show interest in him.

"Of course [United interest me], this is a club that excites everyone, but for now my focus is on Lille," he told La Voix du Nord in March. "But yes, it is a pleasure to be watched by one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best."

Tottenham have also been credited with an interest, along with other clubs in Italy, Germany and Spain.

Also in the interview, Sir Alex Ferguson praised France national team coach Laurent Blanc - who played under him at Old Trafford late in his career and has recently been tipped to become the next Chelsea manager.

"The France team is more balanced and has become a winning team again,'' Ferguson said. "As in 1998, it has established a balance between young and experienced players.

"When Laurent played in Manchester he followed our training methods very carefully.

"That's very intelligent and obviously he has qualities as a coach because he made Les Bleus a winning team again.''

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