Chelsea Transfer News: Huge Eden Hazard Fee Reported Amid Real Madrid Rumours

Chelsea will reportedly only consider a bid of at least £80 million for Eden Hazard in the wake of rumours that he could be a target for Real Madrid.

That's according to an exclusive from the Sun's Andrew Dillon, who noted the Blues hope to keep the playmaker, but "owner Roman Abramovich believes he could command a fee similar to the world record £88 million Real Madrid paid to land Gareth Bale in 2013" should they part with him.

Meanwhile, Dillon's report revealed Los Blancos have included Hazard prominently on their summer wishlist, provided they're able to suspend or successfully appeal their impending transfer embargo.

Their interest comes despite the Belgian's high-profile struggles this season, as the 25-year-old has assisted just three times and has failed to find the net in 28 appearances.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

The midfielder has become something of a figure of fun on social media due to his ongoing goal drought—now at 31—as Bet 365 illustrated on Twitter:

His form provides a stark contrast to the series of excellent displays he put on last season, when he scored 19 goals and assisted 13 in all competitions and claimed the Player of the Year award.

England manager Roy Hodgson's picks for the 2015 Ballon d'Or must have been decided upon rather early last year, per football writer Liam Canning:

It is that form that has attracted Real's interest, though, and there's no reason he can't rediscover his confidence and ability to influence or control games in the way he used to.

With the likes of Isco, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale available to Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu, it would seem they have little need for Hazard.

However, that has never stopped the club from recruiting marquee players in the past, and Sky Sports' Guillem Balague believes Isco or Rodriguez could be moved in the summer, which would pave the way for Hazard's arrival.

As things stand, it wouldn't be surprising if Rodriguez were allowed to leave—again provided Real aren't subject to the ban— as he wasn't a guaranteed starter under Rafa Benitez and hasn't been thus far under Zidane, though it's important to remember the Frenchman has overseen just three games.

If Hazard is unable to improve his form by the end of the season, it's unlikely Chelsea will be able to command as high a fee for him as they'd like, though it would without doubt still be a significant amount.

The Blues are determined to keep their star at Stamford Bridge, and regardless of their ability to do so this summer, they'll be hoping he can shine once again as they seek to salvage what's left of their tattered Premier League campaign.