Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)

HAZ SHOCK: IT’S TIME TO GO, CHELSEA

- BY SIMON MULLOCK

EDEN HAZARD last night rocked Chelsea by admitting he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge.

Less than 24 hours after the Blues confirmed Maurizio Sarri as their new boss, the Belgium World Cup star (above) dropped the bombshell that his time in west London is almost up.

And Hazard also gave a huge hint that he wants to join Real Madrid.

Following his goal in Belgium’s 2-0 World Cup win over England, he said: “After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different.

“Certainly, after this World Cup. I can decide if I

want to stay or go. Chelsea will make the final decision – if they want to let me go. You know my preferred destinatio­n.”

Madrid have been long-term admirers of the 27-year-old and are looking for a world-class replacemen­t for Cristiano Ronaldo after selling the Portuguese star to Juventus.

Chelsea would demand £150million for a player who has two years left on his contract and shows no desire to extend his stay at the club.

Hazard’s comments will be the first test for Sarri

(right). The Italian is planning a shake-up of the Chelsea squad and is willing to let Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata leave so they can sign Gonzalo Higuain from Juventus.

Former Napoli boss Sarri yesterday raided his old club as Chelsea beat Manchester City to the £57m signing of Jorginho.

And now Sarri wants to revamp his forward line with a move for Higuain.

Juventus are open to selling 30-year-old striker Higuain, who is on £240,000 a week, after their stunning capture of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sarri hopes to tempt Juve by using £58m Morata as part of a swap deal.

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 ??  ?? IN AND OUT: Gonzalo Higuain may arrive as Morata and Giroud head for the exit
IN AND OUT: Gonzalo Higuain may arrive as Morata and Giroud head for the exit
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