Liverpool Future: Eden Hazard Signing Will Spell Reds' Salvation

It's time to face some harsh reality, Reds fans: Barring an improbable run, Liverpool will go a third straight season without qualifying for the Champions League.

Six points and three clubs sit between them and fourth.  Luis Suarez is still serving his suspension, and who knows how he will play when he returns.  Goals from anyone not Suarez are rare, especially from the expensive oaf with the ponytail.  The mentioned ponytailed character is now having to deal with reports of Liverpool's attempts to transfer him to Manchester City, adding distraction to his already atrocious form.  

Worst of all, though, is the inconsistent play that can see 'Pool defeat City over two legs in the Cup, and yet lose to Bolton in the league between.

I'm not saying it can't be done. Liverpool are certainly not out of it completely.  It's just unlikely.

But do not fear: salvation looms in the summer.

Belgian striker Eden Hazard of Lille is one of the great young talents out there.  The 21-year old led his side to the French Ligue 1 title in the 2010-11 campaign and a strong showing in the Champions League this season.

Recently, Hazard had been linked with a move to the "nouveau riche" PSG, who have been linked with everyone from Tevez to Beckham this January.

However, Hazard recently intimated his desire to leave Ligue 1 and play in England, putting every top EPL club on alert.

On the surface, it would seem that, without the allure of the Champions League for next season, Liverpool's chances of landing Hazard would be low.

On the other hand, look at the competition.  Manchester United has more of a midfield issue to deal with. Buying yet another striker is probably not at the top of their agenda.

Chelsea have been and will be busy trying to make the Torres project a success.  Meanwhile, the Blues also have a few young strikers (Sturridge and Lukaku) that have some promise.

Tottenham and Arsenal are good fits for Hazard, but both have been too engrossed in keeping their own players to make blockbuster buys in recent seasons.

Man City may look to stockpile even more strikers, but it's unlikely that Hazard will want to sign for a team for which he would probably sit on the bench.

That only leaves Liverpool.  

As to Hazard's motivation, what Liverpool lack in Champions League football, they make up for in club history, money and potential playing time.  In addition, Hazard's teammate this season, Joe Cole, has had to have painted a great picture of Anfield. While on loan in France, Cole has proven his incredible love for Liverpool in various visits to and public remarks about the club.  

If I were a player and saw that kind of devotion, I would probably think that Liverpool is an extremely rewarding place to play.

With the news of the proposed Carroll-Tevez swap, it has become abundantly clear that Liverpool are ready to admit defeat and move on from Carroll; Hazard could make a good partner to Suarez in the aftermath.  Hazard's addition would provide Liverpool with a much-needed creative and goal-scoring force, an ingredient that could quickly catapult the club back to EPL prominence.

It's a match made in heaven.

The season may not end the way Liverpool foresaw or wanted, but by the summer, the future should be looking bright for the Reds.