CHELSEA RAMP UP TALKS TO KEEP HAZARD

CHELSEA plan to open contract talks with Eden Hazard next month as they try to keep him out the clutches of Real Madrid. The Blues were encouraged by Hazard’s comments before the international break, despite the 27-year-old indicating an interest in signing for the La Liga giants. Chelsea want to kick-start discussions over a new deal before Christmas. Hazard’s current deal, worth £220,000 a week, expires in the summer of 2020. Chelsea’s next offer is set to be in excess of £300,000. They believe Hazard is open to talks. He is enjoying life under Maurizio Sarri, scoring seven goals in eight games in the top flight. He gets the chance to increase that tally against Manchester United tomorrow as former boss Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge.