Real Madrid Transfer News: Rumours on Eden Hazard, Alvaro Morata

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema believes Chelsea winger Eden Hazard would be a "great signing" for Los Blancos. La Liga leaders Real have been heavily linked with Hazard, and Benzema thinks the Belgium international has the talent to thrive at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Speaking to French station Telefoot (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw) Benzema had this to say about Hazard: "He (Hazard) is a very good player. He could be a great signing for us."

Benzema's words are only going to increase the speculation about Hazard moving to the Spanish capital this summer. It's a rumour Hazard himself may have inadvertently fuelled recently when he indicated he is prepared to play elsewhere in the future.

The mercurial No. 10 revealed as much during his own interview with Telefoot (h/t Aaron Flanagan of the Sunday Mirror): "When it's not PSG, it's Real Madrid, then maybe it's Bayern Munich...strangely last year there wasn't anybody. I may also have personal ambitions to play in other clubs."

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Hazard did also stress he remains committed to Chelsea, where he referenced a contract set to run until 2020. However, rumours still persist he will swap the Premier League for Spain's top flight next season.

Last month, former Los Merengues president Ramon Calderon even admitted it wouldn't be an issue for his old club to spend as much as £100 million to sign Hazard, per an interview on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show (h/t talkSPORT).

Hazard certainly has the talent to be an asset for Los Blancos. He's blessed with a natural trickery and flair that can overwhelm even the most disciplined of defences.

Hazard is also flexible enough to operate out wide or in the middle as a natural No. 10. Frankly, the former position may be his best with Real, particularly if Gareth Bale continues to struggle.

The Welshman is still blighted by injuries, and he's recently been upstaged by Isco. The former Malaga star scored twice in Saturday's 3-2 win over Sporting Gijon in La Liga.

Isco's super showing prompted Andrew Gaffney of Yahoo Sport UK to float the idea of calling time on the Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo front three:

Hazard's arrival would put Bale under threat, but Benzema's position as Real's natural centre-forward may be more secure.

Alvaro Morata Could Move to Chelsea

Benzema will face less competition for his place next season if Real sell Alvaro Morata to Chelsea. It's something Neil Fissler of the Sunday Express believes could happen.

In fact, Fissler has reported Chelsea will look to wrap up a deal for Morata before selling Diego Costa to the Chinese Super League this summer:

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But Chelsea will only give their blessing to him leaving Stamford Bridge when they complete the signing of Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata.

Morata is behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in the Bernabeu pecking order and has set his heart on a move to London.

Real are demanding around £50m for Morata who is a target for Antonio Conte, having impressed during a loan spell at Juventus.

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Morata's history with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte would naturally prove pivotal in any potential deal aimed at sending him to Stamford Bridge. The player has even indicated he is keen on working with Conte again.

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Morata made the declaration during a recent interview with Sid Lowe of the Guardian.

Working with Conte again may appeal to Morata, who won titles with the Italian at Juventus. However, losing Morata would rate as a blow for Real.

Few top clubs in Europe can claim to have a backup striker as gifted as the 24-year-old. Morata has pace, height, power and technique. He is at once a target man capable of playing with his back to goal and a striker who can stretch a defence with runs in behind.

Those qualities have led to crucial goals, including an equaliser against Sporting on Saturday. Phil Kitromilides of Real's official TV channel noted how frequently Morata finds the net when he plays:

Yet Morata has still struggled to feature regularly for Real this season. He has made just 15 starts in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

It's little wonder reports have emerged recently Morata is ready to move on. Spanish source Diario Gol (h/t Gary Stonehouse of The Sun) reported Morata sees Chelsea as his top option, especially since Conte has assured him of more playing time.

Losing Morata would be a blow, but his sale would help raise funds for Hazard, a player who would further boost the star power within Real's already impressive ranks.