Eden Hazard: Ranking Lille Star's Top 5 Destinations

The hottest signature in world football currently belongs to Lille star Eden Hazard.

After scoring a hat trick for Lille in his final game for the club, Hazard is set to announce his decision as to which club he will be playing for next season. With all the English clubs in the running for the Belgian—and Hazard acting more coy than Roberto Di Matteo as to his future—he could be going anywhere.

Here are his most likely destinations next season—read on to see who is most likely to sign the hottest footballer in the world right now.

5. Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Redknapp might want to break the bank for Eden Hazard, but at the end of the day, it simply won't be enough for the Lille superstar. He might have been close back in February, but this is late May, and too much has happened in the past few months for the Belgian to end up at White Hart Lane.

For me, Spurs' chances for signing Hazard went out the window when Bayern Munich decided it was more fun to shoot their penalties to Petr Cech and not into the back of the net. For those that can't read between the lines, I'm referring to the moment when Chelsea won the 2012 UEFA Champions League—and thus took Tottenham's position in the tournament next season.

Odds: 100/1

4. Real Madrid

After claiming yesterday that a fourth club was in the running for Hazard, many believed that Lille coach Frederic Paquet was referring to either Arsenal or Tottenham.

Just on a side note, I don't think it was either of those two clubs—I think it was Real Madrid.

Tottenham simply doesn't have the money to match Real Madrid, while both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal having already stated that they're not intending to spend vast amounts of money this transfer window.

For me, that leaves only one other big bank balance in the world: Real Madrid, who can cough up a huge transfer deal when the price is right.

Having said that, I don't think it will matter too much. Hazard will come to England, and all Real Madrid are doing is keeping their options open without seriously pursuing the offer.

Odds: 50/1

3. Chelsea

Now we're starting to get into the big boys and the three most likely clubs to sign Eden Hazard: Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

For me, Chelsea's recent FA Cup and Champions League successes are the only thing that has kept them in consideration for the Belgian star—rather than their actual team. If they had lost to Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League, I don't think they'd be getting anywhere near the speculation that they're currently receiving.

But whilst Hazard has admitted to being "tempted" by Stamford Bridge, I just can't quite see it happening.

Firstly, there's the unclear future about the manager of the club, and there's the problem that Juan Mata creates.

Juan Mata and Hazard would essentially—not completely—fulfill similar purposes for the club, and the need for a star striker must be higher on the Blues' wish list. 

Two titles in the space of a month is definitely tempting, but more money with a stronger role in the team has to result in Hazard not picking Chelsea.

Odds: 5/1

2. Manchester United

Manchester United's willingness to work the ball down the wings must be factoring into Eden Hazard's decision-making—as is the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson has one of the greatest footballing minds in recent history.

However, Ashley Young has had a breakout season and will be tough to separate from the left flank, meaning that either he or Hazard would need to play another position in the Red Devils midfield. 

Yes, their midfield is aging, and the Lille star would bring youthful energy to a side desperate for revenge over Manchester City.

And yes, Hazard would be an excellent signing for the club. He could even provide the attacking partner that United have been searching for to assist Wayne Rooney up front.

ESPN might have tweeted that Hazard signed for the Red Devils, but fake website or no fake website, United are still a close second for me. I think they're a lot closer than given credit for, and I do think they have more of a chance than the Blues do, but I can't see them beating out their rivals.

Again.

Odds: 2/1

1. Manchester City

All along, Manchester City were the favourites to sign Eden Hazard, and I think they'll get their man.

I'm not sure it will be a matter of City spending more money to win the title—as I'm sure United fans will cry foul about—I simply think they are the better fit for the Lille star.

Their attacking talent is superior, and Hazard would therefore be able to play a more dominant role in midfield. Their defense is more dominant than any other side in the league this season, and although Roberto Mancini might not have the mind of Ferguson, he does have something in his advantage.

A trophy in 2012.

Which, when it all comes down to it, is all that Hazard truly wants: He wants to win football games, and he wants to win trophies. It's simply a matter of: Whoever pays him the right amount of money to do that will end up with the hottest signature in world football. 

I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Odds: 3/2

Who do you think will sign Eden Hazard?

Comment below or hit me up on Twitter — Follow @dantalintyre