Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Must Extend Eden Hazard as Real Madrid and PSG Loom

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would probably like to spend January focused on adding a few pieces as the Blues gear up for a busy second half of the campaign. Instead, it sounds like his main priority may be locking up one of his own stars, with Eden Hazard drawing interest from a few top clubs.

David Wright of the Daily Express reports that both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are preparing to step up their pursuit of the talented attacking midfielder in January. He also notes the big-spending sides are set to offer around £70 million to spark a possible deal:

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However, the Blues could struggle as today's reports suggest Real and PSG are looking to step up their interest when the transfer window reopens in January.

The European heavyweights are reportedly readying £70m bids to land Hazard, but boss Jose Mourinho is confident that the former Lille man will sign a new deal.

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Hazard is a special talent who should be heading into his peak years soon. So it comes as no surprise high-profile clubs from around Europe are at least considering the idea of making a run at him in January. He could provide a major spark in the new year.

At the same time, he's been vital to Chelsea's success so far. His best performances have come in the Champions League, where he's tallied two goals and two assists in five matches. Playing well in that competition ensures he could succeed in any of Europe's top leagues.

Whether a move would be of any interest to him is unclear. But the Blues must do everything in their power to convince him to stay at Stamford Bridge. Not only for the rest of the current term, but for many years to come.

The good news for Chelsea supporters is that Mourinho doesn't sound overly concerned about the potential of losing Hazard. Matt Lewis of Get West London provided the outspoken boss' response when asked about an extension for the Belgian international.

"If they're happy to be here, like Oscar is showing with a new contract, like Eden is showing: he will sign a new contract sooner or later," Mourinho said. "They can basically be the Chelsea team for the next few years."

Of course, the next question is the type of terms the 23-year-old rising star would demand. The club will want to pay him based on the very good, but not elite, production so far, while Hazard is likely to seek a deal that will grow considering his career arc.

Jake Cohen of Law In Sport passed along an idea that could please both parties:

As clubs like Real Madrid and PSG loom, it's the type of deal that should at least be in the neighborhood for each side. Chelsea get to keep one of their key young talents for the immediate future, and Hazard gets a fair-market deal.

That type of commitment does come with increased responsibility, though. The club is going to expect the former Lille standout to improve his defensive effort and become a bigger factor in key matches, an area where he hasn't always risen to the occasion.

Ultimately, the most important thing for Chelsea is making sure Hazard doesn't get away. He's already one of the most dangerous attacking players in the world and is still on the ascent. Trying to find another player of his caliber would be difficult, especially in January.

The only way to fend off interest from Real, PSG and any others that may be lurking is to come to an agreement on a new contract.

Chelsea may need to pay a little more than they want to, but Hazard is worth whatever risk is associated with that. Particularly when transfer talk is starting to pick up steam.