Chelsea Transfer News: Zakaria Bakkali Edge Held by Blues over Rival Suitors

Chelsea's hopes of signing Zakaria Bakkali have been boosted by news that the Belgian starlet will not renew his contract at PSV Eindhoven, as reported by Jamie Anderson of the Daily Express. 

Bakkali's reluctance to sign a new contract at PSV has led to manager Phillip Cocu relegating his prodigy to the youth team for the rest of the season.

Jose Mourinho's men are not the only Premier League side with an interest in the forward, with Manchester United and Liverpool also keen on the 18-year-old's signature, according to Anderson's report.

Jon Super/Associated Press/Associated Press/Associated Press

But Chelsea hold the aces when it comes to bagging Bakkali in January, with the Belgian's countryman Eden Hazard on hand to help Mourinho land the youngster.

At the age of 23, Hazard already has 50 international caps to his name, and after Bakkali made his Belgium debut in October 2013, the duo could find themselves at the heart of Marc Wilmots' midfield for years to come.

Already dubbed "the new Hazard," per Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express, Bakkali is the prototypical modern-day attacking midfielder who, like Hazard, can play anywhere behind the striker and loves to run at defenders.

A hat-trick in PSV's 5-0 win over NEC Nijmegen last season showed he has an eye for goal, and as this video shows, the teenage talent is equally adept with his left and right foot:

Hazard's prominent position within the Chelsea dressing room should provide the perfect foundation for Bakkali to continue his rapid development in the position. He could barely ask for a better mentor.

Mourinho has a seemingly short tether when it comes to his expressive attackers, with Juan Mata shown the door last season and the likes of Mohamed Salah struggling to get a look in under the Portuguese.

But Hazard has long been Mourinho's golden boy at Stamford Bridge thanks to his match-winning ability, having netted 25 times for the Blues.

Samiran Mishra of GiveMeSport believes Bakkali has the potential to emulate his countryman:

"

Because of his direct approach he has often drawn comparisons to his compatriot and Chelsea’s star man, Eden Hazard.

This young boy has immense talent in him to become a true great in the game. Be it [at] Atletico or Liverpool or United, the 18-year-old will make himself known to an even wider audience soon enough.

"

At Anfield, Bakkali would find his route into the first team blocked by England stars Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana, and with Philippe Coutinho adept at changing the game from the bench, as shown against QPR, he could find his options limited there.

And with his reputation as a bit of a troublemaker, according to Sam Parker of Squawka, Brendan Rodgers may be reluctant to add another bad egg to the dressing room, with Mario Balotelli keeping his hands full for the time being. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Mourinho, on the other hand, has experience with transforming lackadaisical talents into world-class players, as shown by David Luiz's growth as a player and a leader in his final season at Stamford Bridge, even if his World Cup performances dented his reputation somewhat.

With Louis van Gaal still trying to work out his best formation at Old Trafford and Liverpool struggling to keep pace with the league leaders, Chelsea look to be the most attractive of Bakkali's Premier League options.

And by moving to south-west London, Bakkali has the chance to learn from one of the stars of Belgium's "golden generation"—an opportunity which may be too good to turn down.