HAZARD: I’M HAPPY TO PUT REAL MOVE ON HOLD

EDEN HAZARD has confirmed he will stay at Chelsea this season, but has offered no guarantees over his longterm future.

Belgium international Hazard (right) was a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona over the summer, after admitting that he was considering a move following the World Cup.

“After six wonderful years at Chelsea, it might be time to discover something different,” he said, having reached the semi-finals in Russia. “You all know my preferred destination.”

However, Chelsea refused to negotiate and there is no chance of him going this year, despite the Spanish transfer window remaining open until the end of the month.

Hazard received a hero’s reception at Stamford Bridge when he was introduced as a sub against Arsenal, setting up Marcos Alonso’s winner.

He has two years remaining on his contract, and Chelsea are prepared to pay him more than £300,000 a week to stay.

“Everybody knows what I said,” the 27-year-old said. “But I’m happy here. At the moment, I’m happy. I have two years left on my contract and we’ll see what happens. Leaving this year? I won’t go.

“The transfer market in England is closed. Clubs can sell players, but not sign new ones. It would be a bit strange they would sell me now.

“Today, we have seen that the fans quite like me. I’m good where I am now. Let’s see what happens in one or two years.” (© The Daily Telegraph)