Chelsea

Real consider using Isco as makeweight for Hazard

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Image for Real consider using Isco as makeweight for Hazard

Real Madrid are prepared to offer Isco as a makeweight in any deal for Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, according to OK Diario.

The Spanish international has fallen out of favour under new boss Santiago Solari, and it is understood that that the Argentine would be willing to offer the 26-year-old as part of a package to bring long term target Hazard to the Bernabeu.

Real are looking to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Italy, and believe the Belgian is the ideal candidate to do so.

On Isco’s part, it is understood that the playmaker is dissatisfied with a lack of opportunities, and would be willing to leave Spain to look for first team football.

He also angered the Real Madrid fans after making a gesture during their Champions League game with CSKA Moscow, although he claims that wasn’t aimed at the supporters.

Isco has won four Champions League medals with Real.

Good move for Chelsea?

Losing Eden Hazard would never be a good thing for Chelsea. The Belgian is arguably the best player in the Premier League at the moment, and there are times when he drags his side out of danger singlehandedly. Replacing him would be almost impossible, but increasingly rumours persist of his departure, and it’s difficult to see him staying in London forever. If they were to lose him, one of the players they will have identified as a potential replacement will have been Isco. It’s a little mystifying that Santiago Solari has taken such a strong dislike to the Spaniard, who has all the qualities needed to become a genuinely world class player. If Chelsea are to lose Hazard, this could be the best way to soften the blow.

This is Futbol rating: 7/10

Likely to happen?

When Real Madrid set their sights on a player, it is incredibly rare for them to not get their man. Talk of Hazard’s departure has not been a fleeting fancy created to fill gossip column inches, it appears to be the real deal, and it would be no surprise if Chelsea were to lose him at some point in the next couple of seasons to an irresistible bid. Those who control transfer activity might well look at the availability of Isco, an unexpected development that surely won’t be around forever, as a form of damage limitation. If they do, they could cut their losses and let their star man leave.

This is Futbol rating: 7/10

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