Eden Hazard Rejects Chelsea Contract Amid Real Madrid Rumours, Says Father

Eden Hazard has rejected a new contract offer from Chelsea, according to his father, Thierry, amid continued links to Real Madrid.

The Belgium international has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, reaffirming his status as one of the most dangerous attackers in football.

According to Hazard Sr., the Blues are keen to tie down their prized asset to a new contract, but he's opted against extending his Stamford Bridge stay, per Le Soir (h/t Sky Sports):

"What I can reveal about Eden is that he refused a contract extension," Hazard Sr. said. "This was so that, if necessary, he could follow the interest of Real, whom he could see himself playing for. But, as of right now, there is no contact from Real Madrid. Eden is only one of the parties involved in his future."

Matt Hughes of The Times recently reported that Chelsea had offered Hazard a long-term deal that would see him pick up a weekly wage of £300,000. However, it was suggested he is stalling "in the hope of attracting an offer from Real Madrid."

According to Hughes, the European champions have been long-term admirers of the forward, although they did not lodge an offer in the summer despite showing interest.

As Goal UK relayed, the Chelsea man has made it clear in the past he would love to work under Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane:

Hazard is the type of transfer target most people would associate with Real Madrid, as the club has long acquired the best attacking talent in the game for exorbitant sums.

With his Chelsea deal not set to expire in 2020, Hazard would cost a huge sum if he was to leave Stamford Bridge. 

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The former Lille man may have taken a while to reach top gear this season, but he's playing some of the best football of his career. As we can see below, courtesy of WhoScored.com, he's effective with the ball at his feet:

Hazard has thrived in different roles since Antonio Conte arrived at Chelsea in 2016. Whether utilised through the middle or out wide, he's a menace to defences with his close control, burst of speed and composed decision-making in the final third.

He would improve any side in football when he's on his game, including Real Madrid, who haven't been as effective as usual in the final third this term.

In recent years, the Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo's form has been the bedrock of Madrid's success. However, Zidane has found it tougher to rely on that trio because of fitness issues and inconsistency this term:

Hazard would be a great signing. Having someone adept at breaking down deep-sitting defences and being devastating on the counter-attack would be an asset for a side like Real Madrid. And it appears as though the Blues man is keen on making the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Chelsea are unlikely to play ball should any offer for Hazard arrive, and they will be hopeful they have the time to get their key man signed up for the long term given he has more than two years to run on his deal.