Kovacic to form part of Hazard’s move from Chelsea to Real Madrid

Real Madrid have made a breakthrough in talks to sign Eden Hazard from Chelsea by including midfielder Mateo Kovacic in the deal, reports MARCA.

The Spanish side have already had two bids rejected by Chelsea and the Premier League giants are determined to command in the region of £100m for his signature.

Hazard will only have 12 months left to run on his existing deal and could theoretically leave the club for nothing next season.

Madrid wanted to pay closer to £80m for the 28-year-old but accept they will have to make the Belgium international the most expensive player in their history, eclipsing the fees paid for Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in the past.

Chelsea have proved stubborn negotiators up until now and Madrid believe they have made a major breakthrough in discussions by including Kovacic in the transfer.

The Croatia international has spent the season on loan at Chelsea and any permanent transfer would still be allowed to go through despite the Blues being hit with a FIFA-imposed transfer ban.

Chelsea have sent their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and hope to have their ban temporarily lifted but there is a chance they may not be able to sign any new players this summer.

With that in mind, prolonging Kovacic’s stay at Stamford Bridge would be a huge boost for Maurizio Sarri’s side.

Hazard has arguably been the best player in the world over the last 12 months, carrying over his sparkling form from the 2018 World Cup into the Premier League.

In fact, Hazard is the highest WhoScored rated player in the Premier League this season (7.84) and has played a direct hand in the most goals (31).