Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Eden Hazard and Marko Grujic Rumours

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Chelsea's Eden Hazard as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo should they sell the superstar.

That's according to talkSPORT, which cite "reports in France," and note that if Paris Saint-Germain should capture the Portuguese forward in a sensational deal, "it has been suggested that Madrid will offer the 24-year-old Belgian an escape route" from Stamford Bridge.

Hazard has been a sensation for the Blues and after helping fire Chelsea to the title last season, and he earned an incredible comparison with Ronaldo from boss Jose Mourinho in the summer.

WhoScored.com share the relevant stats, which reveal that while the comparison was outlandish, Hazard nevertheless boasted some impressive numbers:

The Belgian has struggled to make an impact since then though, as Squawka Football reveal:

Indeed, Hazard has mustered just three assists in 17 appearances in all competitions this season and has largely looked a shadow of his former self.

It's possible the midfielder is suffering from burnout, having played a staggering amount of football in the last three years, per Sky Sports Monday Night Football:

Nevertheless, Hazard did earn some praise for his efforts in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Stoke City on Saturday from BBC Sport's Phil McNulty and the Mirror's John Cross:

A player of Hazard's quality will undoubtedly turn around his poor run of form eventually, and though he wasn't able to rescue his side at the Britannia Stadium, it seems like that could be set to happen sooner rather than later based on his promising performance.

Hazard is naturally adored by the Chelsea faithful, and the club will no doubt be reluctant to part with their star player, but if Real Madrid should seriously declare their interest a move, it could well tempt him.

Slightly further behind Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic have also struggled in the Blues' central midfield fulcrum. 

The pair have fallen well short of their considerably high standards, but Mourinho has few options beyond them and none are particularly inspiring.

To that end, the manager has reported bid £2.8 million for Red Star Belgrade's Marko Grujic, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Luke Gardener of the Daily Star). 

Hannah Peters/Getty Images

The 19-year-old was part of the Serbia under-20 squad to win the U-20 World Cup in the summer and has bagged four goals and three assists in all competitions this season.

Standing at an imposing 6'3", Grujic is a powerful and imposing figure who looks to drive forward from midfield and does so with remarkable composure for a player of his age.

If Chelsea are able to land the coveted youngster in January, his exciting presence would undoubtedly provide a welcome boost to their campaign.

Further, he represents a much-needed, quality alternative to Fabregas and Matic, which would afford Mourinho more room to rotate his side if the pair continue their poor form.