Chelsea Transfer News: Eden Hazard Delivers Big Blow to PSG, Talks Down Ligue 1

Eden Hazard has confirmed the only club he will return to Ligue 1 for is Lille, halting rumours he could join Paris Saint-Germain by saying the French champions "are not" in his thinking.

Hazard rose to prominence at Lille and admitted he could one day return to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. He spoke to French television station Canal+, reported via the Daily Mail's Oliver Todd, in an interview that saw the Belgian play down the overall quality of Ligue 1:

"

PSG are in the same world than Chelsea. But, to be a top club they need to win the Champions League. I'm fine with Chelsea and this is where I want to continue to grow. PSG are not in my head. 

Move back to Ligue 1? Maybe one day. But only for Lille. Ligue 1 is a great league in Europe but not the best. It's a league for youngsters.

"

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Hazard is often having to bat away rumours he could end up at the Parc des Princes. Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur highlights the consistency with which the player has been asked about a potential move:

The 23-year-old was a key member of Lille's 2010-11 double-winning season before moving to Stamford Bridge. He has enjoyed an excellent two terms in England and won last year's PFA Young Player of the Year award but is yet to hit an irresistible run of form this campaign.

Chelsea remain unbeaten at the top of the league and are looking mightily resiliant during Jose Mourinho's second season back at the club. Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have been the headline-makers so far, with the former scoring eight in six games and the latter providing six assists during the same period, per WhoScored.com.

Both new signings have had an instant impact, while Hazard's form has rarely sparkled in the way it can. He has just one goal and a single assist across the first six weeks of the season, despite some solid if unspectacular performances.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

He disappointed during Saturday's 3-0 win over Aston Villa. The home crowd saw him fail to complete a dribble, shot or tackle, noted in WhoScored.com's stats, which identified his performance as the worst from the Blues line-up. Hazard was important during the build-up to Costa's goal but has plenty more to offer Mourinho's side.

The manager knows this, too. Mourinho spoke honestly about Hazard's performance after the Villa match and acknowledged suggestions his developing star was off form, reported by the Daily Mail:

"

Yes. (I) agree. I don't know what he needs. I know he needs to play more than he did (against Villa). He started the season well. Eden played good matches with us. I think it's more an isolated not good performance than a period. No dramas and (I am) not too much worried about it, but (Saturday) was not his day, was not his performance.

"

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Hazard will likely receive an opportunity to hit a stretch of form during Tuesday night's visit to Sporting Lisbon in an important Champions League encounter for the west Londoners. Chelsea's draw with Schalke during the opening matchday means victory in Portugal will be key if they wish to top the group.

Although Maribor and Lisbon are also on one point, Mourinho's side need three points to give themselves an early advantage in Group G, especially with the away trip to Germany looming. Hazard grabbed an assist during the first European tie of the season, something he will hope to at least replicate at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Hazard's form is likely to improve as the campaign rolls on. His commitments through the summer's World Cup may be taking their toll right now, but he's capable of shaking off any lethargy before returning to his best. Luckily, he is surrounded by players who can define matches in their own right, meaning pressure remains minimal for the moment. Mourinho's comments go a long way to aid this.

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

The manager has unflinching faith in a player he publicly bashed last season. PSG's rumoured interest is far from surprising; Hazard is sure to have been an attractive prospect at the time of the capital-based club's major cash injection, especially as his antics with Lille dominated the French division in such a stylish manner. He is a player who has plenty of improving to do but remains world-class nonetheless.

It's sobering to think Hazard's career at the top level could span another decade. Both he and Mourinho will continue to be questioned about their future together during times of poor form and moments of excellence. All the tricky winger can do is continue to deny reports and offer his best form for Chelsea on the pitch, where he's destined to have a vital say in any of the club's success this season.