Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Eden Hazard and James Rodriguez Rumours

Real Madrid will reportedly stand a better chance of signing Chelsea star Eden Hazard if they replace the beleaguered manager Rafa Benitez with Los Blancos legend and Real Madrid Castilla boss Zinedine Zidane, though they may also have to swap James Rodriguez to land the Belgian.

According to Neil McLeman of the Daily Mirror, Hazard's "transfer exit looms" as Los Blancos could be about to hire Zidane—the midfielder's "idol"—"and Zidane’s anticipated appointment will only add to the appeal of moving to La Liga."

Meanwhile, John Ashdown of the Guardian sensationally notes Hazard and Rodriguez could be swapping places with the former heading to the Bernabeu and the latter to Stamford Bridge.

After winning both the PFA and football writers' Player of the Year awards last season as he helped Chelsea win the Premier League title, the 24-year-old has suffered a high-profile downturn in form, per Squawka Football:

Nevertheless, the Belgium international has all the necessary attributes to fulfil Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's desire for Galactico players.

Los Blancos already have a wealth of attacking talent, but when on form, he's of similar quality to Rodriguez and an upgrade on the likes of Isco.

Despite his current struggles, Chelsea will naturally be reluctant to part with him, and the inclusion of a player such as Rodriguez as part of the deal is the best chance they have of convincing the Blues to give him up.

The Colombian is a wonderfully gifted playmaker who boasts incredible creativity and a significant goal threat from distance.

Football journalist Rafael Hernandez succinctly sums up the 24-year-old:

Rodriguez has had struggles of his own this season, though rather than a dip in form, his have come in the form of injuries and arguably poor man-management from Benitez.

The No. 10 has only been able to make nine appearances this term at a total of just 590 minutes. However, he has been able to show his quality in scoring and assisting three goals apiece.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

As for Benitez, football journalist Dermot Corrigan believes he is mishandling him:

That problem could soon be a thing of the past if the Spaniard is fired, though.

With that being the case, Rodriguez isn't likely to want to leave, and the club would undoubtedly prefer to keep him rather than trade him.

They might still be able to get Hazard without offering a player in return, but they'll need to be prepared to spend big in order for Chelsea to let him go.