Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Eden Hazard and Jamie Vardy Rumours

Real Madrid have reportedly been "alerted" to Eden Hazard's current struggles at Chelsea and could be one of several elite clubs set to make a move for the Belgian next summer.

That's according to Paul Hetherington in the Daily Star Sunday, who adds Los Blancos "have been long-term admirers" of the midfielder.

Hazard is widely regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, so he represents exactly the kind of Galactico signing Real are famous for making.

Real do boast plenty of options in that area of the pitch, though, including Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Isco; however, as WhoScored.com illustrates, Hazard's form last season compared well with Bale's:

The 24-year-old has been virtually anonymous this season, having scored no goals and laid on just two assists for his team-mates.

Football writer Liam Canning has highlighted his ineffectual play in this campaign:

"

What's happened to Eden Hazard? At one point he was being compared to Neymar, now a shadow of that player.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) October 24, 2015"

Not only does his current form provide a sharp contrast to last season, but so does his happiness.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

In the summer, the Daily Star's Jamie Anderson reported Hazard as telling the Blues' official website: "I feel settled and comfortable with everybody and I think it’s very good to stay at one club for a long time."

However, Hetherington's report reveals "Hazard is disappointed and surprised" with the downturn in his relationship with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after the boss dropped him for the 2-0 win over Aston Villa and has been publicly critical of him. 

Hetherington also notes Hazard would cost at least £70 million after signing a five-year contract earlier in the year.

While that would not be a concern to Real, who have shown repeatedly they're more than willing to splash the cash to get their man, if Hazard isn't able to improve his form, they could well look elsewhere.

Sensationally, Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw) are reporting an alternate target for Real could be Leicester City's Jamie Vardy.

The striker has been in majestic form both at the end of last season and firmly into the current campaign, as Squawka Football and OptaJoe note:

James Robson of the Manchester Evening News shares the qualities that could make Vardy useful even to an elite team:

After such an incredible run of form, links to bigger clubs than the Foxes are somewhat inevitable, and Real are a little light on out-and-out centre-forwards beyond Karim Benzema, but a move for the 28-year-old—who will be 29 in January—is out of the question.

Don't expect the England international to be linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo any time soon.