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Paris Saint-Germain admit defeat in pursuit of Hazard

ESPN staff
June 19, 2014
Eden Hazard hit 17 goals for Chelsea in all competitions last season © Getty Images
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Laurent Blanc has all but given up hope of luring Eden Hazard to Paris Saint-Germain with the French champions' coach admitting: "Chelsea want to keep him."

When asked about his club's interest in Hazard in recent weeks, Blanc has heaped praise on the Belgium international's talents.

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Speculation suggested PSG were ready to table a massive offer for the midfielder, who has developed into one of the Premier League's stand-out performers since his 2012 move from Lille.

However, Hazard himself declared recently he would be staying at Stamford Bridge this summer, a fact Blanc also recognised when asked about PSG's plans for the current transfer window.

"Some players will ask to leave, we'll have to see," said Blanc. "For the moment, that's not the case. We're going to bring in some players, one or two, of great quality.

"Hazard is a top player, but I think Chelsea want to keep him. A lot of players are going to be mentioned, but we have already got our priority, David Luiz.

"We're going to wait a bit before making any more signings. Be patient."

Hazard meanwhile, has undergone a scan on a painful toe after Belgium's 2-1 victory over Algeria on Tuesday in World Cup Group H.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said the scan revealed only minor bruising, but Hazard missed training on Wednesday as a precaution.

Hazard came in for some rough treatment against Algeria, but provided the assist for Dries Mertens to score Belgium's winner in a dramatic comeback.

Belgium next face Russia at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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