Reports: Chelsea interested in signing Real Madrid superstar as Hazard replacement

What's the rumour?

Real Madrid have been extremely quiet in the transfer window, but one player they have long been linked to is Eden Hazard. Now, according to reports in Don Balon, should Madrid eventually sign Hazard in the summer, the Blues are looking towards Marco Asensio and Manchester City star Raheem Sterling to replace the Belgian forward.

The report goes on to say that Pep Guardiola is also interested in Asensio and should Chelsea land Sterling, the Spanish manager will be turning his attention towards Asensio himself.

In case you didn't know...

Asensio could be lighting up the Premier League next season

Having burst onto the scene last season, Asensio with his brilliant performances quickly became noticed as one of the most talented youngsters in the Spanish league. However, the youngster has struggled for regular playing time under Zidane this season, making only 9 starts in the league.

With the report stating that Asensio is being courted by both Manchester City and Chelsea, it will be interesting to see if the 22-year-old does end up in the Premier League next season.

The heart of the matter

Real Madrid have had a horror season so far by their own high standards and Los Blancos will be definitely looking to strengthen in the summer. With Hazard the player linked most with a move to the Bernabeu, there could well be a lot of implications if the potential high profile transfer does indeed go through.

With Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly involved in the mix, huge fees are sure to be bandied about and this could well end up becoming one of the transfer sagas of the summer.

Rumour rating/probability

5/10

While Eden Hazard has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid, the prospect of Chelsea signing Sterling is minimal, to say the least. Also, Asensio has been earmarked as a talent to watch out far and it is a bit hard to believe that Madrid will be willing to sell him in the summer transfer window.

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Hazard is certainly one of the best players in the Premier League.

Author's take

Should Chelsea lose Hazard, the arrival of Sterling or Asensio would definitely soften the blow. However, Don Balon are not known to be the most reliable of sources, and this report should be taken with a pinch of salt.