Finally, Real Madrid considering move for Eden Hazard

Real Madrid are deliberating whether to make a bid for Chelsea star Eden Hazard this summer.

Hazard has been earmarked as a transfer target at the Bernabeu for the past few seasons, but they were expected to step up their interest this year.

However, it is understood that the Liga club have yet to make any form of inquiry to Chelsea or the Belgium international's entourage and are not in any rush to do so.

Chelsea are reluctant to sell the 27-year-old and will demand a transfer fee well in excess of £100million for his signature.

Real Madrid will be under pressure to sign some high profile players during the close season, but Hazard's form has dipped and the hierarchy are not sure whether to proceed, particularly as they already have a similar talent in Marco Asensio, who is five years younger.

Hazard has failed to score or create an assist in the last five appearances and was subdued in both Champions League games against Real Madrid's rivals Barcelona as Chelsea went out 4-1 on aggregate in the last 16.

Chelsea still hope to agree a contract extension with Hazard, including a pay-rise from £200,000-a-week to £300,000-a-week.

But negotiations have been postponed for some time and now the club look set to drop into the Europa League next term.

Chelsea had hoped to hold further talks by the end of the campaign but, significantly, Hazard revealed last week that he won't make a decision on his future until after the World Cup.