Real Madrid will make an opening bid of £112m for Chelsea star Eden Hazard, claims the London Evening Standard.
The European champions have identified Hazard as the ideal replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who sensationally joined Juventus earlier this month.
Madrid appear to have conceded defeat in their pursuit of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, rekindling their long-standing interest in Hazard.
The 27-year-old suggested after Belgium’s third place finish at the 2018 World Cup that his time at Chelsea is coming to an end and now Madrid are ready to pull the trigger.
Julen Lopetegui’s side are also in advanced talks with Chelsea to sign Thibaut Courtois and they are keen to ensure Hazard follows his Belgium team-mate.
While a deal is close for Courtois, Madrid have a long way to go in order to sign Hazard as the Premier League giants value the Belgium captain at £200m.
Hazard was the highest WhoScored rated player at the 2018 World Cup (8.53), finishing second in FIFA’s Golden Ball. Indeed, he won the WhoScored Man of the Match award in four of his six appearances in Russia.
