It’s the news that all Chelsea fans were desperate to hear, with Spanish paper AS reporting that Real Madrid are to end their pursuit of star man Eden Hazard.
The Belgian has been on the radar of the European champions for a number of years but following the shock departure of Zinedine Zidane earlier this summer, targets have been reassessed.
New boss Julen Lopetegui is now keen to build his side around playmaker Isco, having got the best from the 26-year-old during his time in charge of Spain, which came to an abrupt and untimely end ahead of the World Cup.
Los Blancos are now ready to give Isco the leading role at the club following the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo and the outlet also cites Marco Asensio’s development as a reason why the club are not expected to move for Hazard.
The Express have also reported that in a bid to ensure that the Belgium captain remains at Stamford Bridge this season, new boss Maurizio Sarri is considering handing the winger the armband at club level too.
Hazard certainly performed with the extra responsibility at the World Cup this summer, earning the highest WhoScored.com rating at the tournament (8.51), along with the Man of the Match award in four of his six appearances in Russia.