Newcastle United are preparing a sensational move for Real Madrid star Eden Hazard, as the Premier League's new richest club gets ready to flex some financial muscle.
While the new owners will invariably have lofty long-term ambitions, a new report from Sport alleges that a move for Hazard, presumably in January, would initially be to try and stave off the possibility of relegation.
Hazard has struggled since making his high-profile move to the Spanish capital back in 2019.
Advert
Linking up with Zinedine Zidane, his £100 million price tag looked as if it weighed heavily, while injuries and the side's general form slump also worked against the former PFA Player of the Year.
Since the return of Carlo Ancelotti this season, Hazard has largely been left out in the cold, with youngsters like Vinicius Jr and Marco Asensio superseding him in the pecking order.
Bringing the 30-year-old to Tyneside would be a huge statement of intent from the new Saudi led-ownership group, which is worth a reported £320 billion all told.
Advert
Hazard had previously been linked with a move to Chelsea, with current Blues boss Thomas Tuchel thought to be a big fan of the Belgian international's.
While Chelsea have an obvious advantage in the race, given his loyalty to the club and the allure of European football, Newcastle will - in theory at least - be able to gazump any of their financial offers.
Hazard left Chelsea with Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League winners medals to his name, having scored an impressive 110 goals for the club.
Advert
And yet, Newcastle's pressing need for the Belgian, combined with the lucrative wages they can offer, may be enough to persuade the player.
Spanish outlet Sport also claims that the Real winger no longer fits in with manager Ancelotti's plans.
With his exit possibly imminent, the biggest question is where he will end up, as Newcastle certainly won't be the only interested party if Hazard is made available by the La Liga giants.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Eden Hazard, Chelsea, Premier League, Newcastle United, Real Madrid