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Eden Hazard is valued at £40 million
Lille's Academy director Jean-Michel Vandamme has claimed Chelsea are paying most attention to £40 million-rated youngster Eden Hazard.
Chelsea boss Andre-Villas Boas is keen to introduce youth and flair to his squad at Stamford Bridge, fully aware that the likes of Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard are now enjoying their twilight years.
The Portuguese has already stated his admiration for Genk's Kevin De Bruyne, but it is Lille star Hazard who is currently attracting most attention around Europe. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Inter Milan are all believed to be pursuing the 20-year-old, but it is Chelsea who head the queue.
Inter captain Javier Zanetti recently confirmed the Italians are "very interested" in Hazard, although it appears they sit behind Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona as the player's preferred options.
"Eden is certainly willing to stay at Lille at least until next summer." Vandamme was quoted as saying in the Daily Mail. "The buyer will have to come up with a lot of money - let's say he is not currently to go for less than £40 million.
"Chelsea has been following him the closest. The Spaniards have not manifested themselves yet, but I think they are playing it smart and will call when they know they have to - I'm talking about Real Madrid, but also about Barcelona."
Hazard's agent has already revealed that Arsenal failed in their attempt to sign the playmaker during the summer transfer window.
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Ronaldo reflected the price of an 18yr old wonder kid at that time. They paid for POTENTIAL because who knew for sure how he would turn? He then went on to win virtually every piece of silverware going with United, he was untouchable, and they sold him for 80mil because he proved his worth at the highest level. Hazard has nowhere near the CV Ronaldo had when he was sold for 80m. Again you're making comparison that don't make sense mate. I am not saying Hazard isn't on the same level, what I am saying is his price tag should be no more than 20m due to his age and inexperience. Shouldn't you be asking why nobody charged United more than 8m? I'll tell you why - because the world of football was not about billionaire owners spending ridiculous sums on talent that has not been proven to being that much yet. He may be as good as Ronaldo - doesn't mean his value is 40m YET.
Rumour is that Derby County are ready poch this player from the big name clubs. Hazard is a Rams Fan he hates Forest! Derby would suit this kind of player, young, ambitious and soon to be glourious once more!
@George, Agree entirely.
That is also the reason why there are no great managers these days like Brian Clough, he managed a team of average players to success.
SAF and the likes do it with money. If they are such good managers why do they need the best players ?
Put SAF in charge of Scotland and see how well he does with mediocre players. They will still be a very poor side.