Real Madrid are confident they will agree a deal with Chelsea for Eden Hazard by the end of the season, according to reports in Spain.
The Belgium international is one of Zinedine Zidane’s top targets ahead of the summer transfer window and Madrid have already held extensive talks with a view to quickly completing a deal.
Marca report that Zidane is ‘desperate’ to bring Hazard to the Santiago Bernabeu and an agreement between Chelsea and Madrid is ‘on track’.
Chelsea are still hopeful of receiving a €140 million (£120m) transfer fee for the 28-year-old, even though he will have just a year remaining on his contract this summer.
But while Chelsea’s asking price has not yet been met, Madrid president Florentino Perez privately accepts that he will break the club’s transfer record to sign Hazard.
Marca also report that Madrid are optimistic that an early transfer can be completed and have marked May 12 – the final day of the Premier League season – as a potential day to announce the deal.
But that date is likely to be pushed back as Madrid’s season would not have finished, while Chelsea are in the frame to reach the Europa League final, which takes place on May 29.
Madrid are eager for a quick resolution and Chelsea’s hierarchy have already accepted that Hazard will leave the club.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, as well as several players in the dressing room including Gonzalo Higuain, are also said to be aware of Hazard’s upcoming departure.
