EDEN HAZARD has moved a step closer to the Chelsea exit after a big development with one leading bookmaker.
Hazard came off the bench on Wednesday as Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw against Huddersfield all but ending their Champions League hopes for next season.
And that could have repercussions for where the Belgium star plays his football next term.
Without Champions League football Chelsea will come under pressure to sell some of their star players including Hazard and Thibaut Courtois.
And Betfair have priced Hazard at evens to join Real Madrid when the transfer window opens.
Hazard has been on Madrid’s radar for years with Zinedine Zidane a big fan.
And Florentino Perez is expected to overhaul the squad this summer despite being on course for a third consecutive Champions League victory.
Madrid face Liverpool in Kiev later this month as they bid to become the first team in he modern era to win three European Cups on the bounce.
But with Ronaldo now 33 and Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale expected to leave Madrid Hazard is among the contenders to come in.
Madrid have also been linked with a move for Neymar but Hazard may be a cheaper alternative – although would still cost in excess of £100m.
Speaking earlier this week Hazard suggested he’d be willing to stay at Chelsea even if they did finish fifth although he is yet to sign a contract extension despite holding talks earlier this year.
He said: “Of course I want to play in the Champions League, but it isn’t a priority.
“I hope [the fans] don’t want to see me leave. I’m doing good things here. I’m happy here.
“Things can move, or they may not move. We’ll see. The public adore me, I love my team-mates, my family are good here.”
The 27-year-old has two years remaining on his current deal and Chelsea may look to sell this summer unless he signs an extension.
