Premier League leaders Chelsea have expressed their intention to extend the contract of Eden Hazard amid the ongoing interest from Real Madrid. The Belgium international is due to be rewarded with a fresh deal on a substantial wage hike.
Hazard, 26, has racked in an impressive tally of 15 goals and five assists this term after having overcome a dismal spell last term where he struggled to find his feet in the top flight.
The Belgian’s future has been the talk in the media in recent weeks with manager Zinedine Zidane keen to make a ‘Galactico’ signing which could further strengthen the Los Blancos squad.
However, their plans could be dashed prior to the summer with the Blues’ hierarchy planning to offer Hazard with an extended deal which would see him earn wages of around £300,000 a week, The London Evening Standard reports.
The former Lille man has remained the mainstay at Stamford Bridge since his arrival in 2012, and the Blues are prepared to make him the pivotal point of their attack as they look to make further progress in Europe next season.
Apart from Hazard, the west London giants have also started contract talks with shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar for the coming transfer window.
Blues boss Antonio Conte has done fantastically well to guide the club to the Premier League title, and he will be aiming for a domestic double when his side take on Arsenal in the FA Cup final next week.
Conte is known for making shrewd decisions on and off the playing field, and the club are well aware of the departure of Hazard could change the manager’s stance on staying put in west London.
One time Serie A giants Inter Milan are hot on the trail of Conte, and any minor slip up from Chelsea could encourage them in the pursuit of the Italian head coach.
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