Real Madrid Transfer News: Eden Hazard Earmarked as Gareth Bale Replacement

Gareth Bale's future is the subject of much speculation in the media after a string of impressive performances from his Real Madrid team-mate Isco.

Bale has been forced to sit out through injury in recent weeks, with many outlets suggesting Manchester United will attempt to lure him to Old Trafford, per Ben Jefferson of the Express. The Daily Star has reacted to this, with Alex Harris indicating Madrid are "keeping tabs" on Eden Hazard in case the Bale situation develops.

Jefferson reports that Ryan Giggs will lead United's charge for the Welshman. The Premier League side are said to be willing to part with £90 million for the 25-year-old who has scored five goals and assisted four in a combination of nine La Liga and Champions League matches this season, per WhoScored.com.

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"United hope that Giggs—who played with the winger for Wales—can persuade Bale his future lies in Manchester," writes Jefferson. "However, reports yesterday suggested Giggs might have a battle on his hands with Bale thought to be determined to stay and prove his worth at Real."

Carlo Ancelotti believes Bale will help Madrid "improve" when he returns to full fitness—despite the side winning their last 11 matches—reported by the club's website. He also outlined the former Tottenham star as "one of the most important players in this squad," per Marco Ruiz of AS and translated via Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC.

As such, it seems far-fetched that Florentino Perez would be willing to cash in on the player he signed in 2013. Madrid's link to Hazard is rooted in previous speculation, however. Belgian newspaper DH, via talkSPORT, previously claimed Los Blancos wanted to sign the speedy winger during his spell with Lille.

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In 2012, shortly after Hazard joined Chelsea, Christian Benteke claimed his Belgium international team-mate's goal is to head to the Bernabeu. "His dream is to join Real Madrid—so I don't see why he can't join them in a year or two," said Benteke, reported by Rik Sharma of the Daily Mail.

The likes of Madrid, Barcelona and United were reportedly in for Hazard when he left France, and upon signing for Chelsea, he hinted Stamford Bridge could be a stepping stone to La Liga: "At 21, Real Madrid or Barcelona would have been more difficult for me," said Hazard, per the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel.

Perez is certainly the type of character to go after Hazard. The Real Madrid president can't help but sign at least one world-class star each summer, but seems unlikely he would be willing to let Bale leave to facilitate a move.

Madrid fans will think back to Bale's lung-busting winner in the Copa del Rey final and important goal in the Champions League showpiece, while Ancelotti's words underline the sense that he offers a match-defining combination of pace and power, as highlighted below:

Bale's defensive work can be questioned—more so after Isco's well-rounded displays—but Hazard was recently criticised by Jose Mourinho for failing to aid Chelsea's efforts in their own half. The player is bullish and has a strong frame for his height, but cannot be considered an athletic powerhouse like Bale, who has the potential to play a key role in Madrid's success this season.

Lots of "ifs and buts" shape this story. It is easy to downplay Bale's importance while he remains unfit, particularly as Madrid appear to have gained greater balance with Isco in the side, but the European champions will need to utilise plenty of versatile strategies across all three competitions.

It's also fair to say the current situation would be emphasised if Bale left and Hazard, who is weaker in defence, was brought in. Although the player may dream of heading to the Bernabeu, Hazard should be outlined as a future replacement for the ageing Cristiano Ronaldo, whose departure will likely coincide with the Belgian hitting his peak.