HAZARD WARNING
Chelsea to play hardball with Spanish giants Real over £170m star
CHELSEA have told Real Madrid they will not be bullied into selling Eden Hazard – even for £170million. The brilliant Belgian is on Real’s wishlist and it is understood that the Spanish giants are willing to pay the second-biggest fee in transfer history to land their man. But the Blues do not want to lose the playmaker and are adamant that, given he still has two years to run on his contract, they will not be forced into a deal. New boss Maurizio Sarri said: “He’s one of the top European players. I hope I can improve him, but this will be difficult because he has reached a very high level.” But Hazard has suggested he is ready for a new challenge now after six years in south-west London. His “people know my preferred destination” comment during the World Cup was widely interpreted as a flirtation with Real. But Chelsea believe that a new deal worth around £300,000 a week will be
enough to keep the 27-year-old Belgian.
The Blues will make a £25m move for Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel once Real Madrid wrap up their chase of Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgium cat has turned down the offer of a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
He has just 12 months left on his contract, which means Real could get him on the cheap, with a £35m bid on the table.
Leicester have already signed Wales keeper Danny Ward from Liverpool for £12.5m.