Report: Real Madrid Encouraged to Bid for Eden Hazard in January After Comments

Real Madrid will reportedly use Eden Hazard's recent comments that it would be his "dream" to play for them as ammunition to try to sign the Chelsea winger in January. 

Cadena SER (h/t AS) reported Hazard's reiteration of his desire to play for Los Blancos is part of a collaboration from both parties to soften up Chelsea and make the club more open to a January parting of ways.

Real have struggled for consistency following Cristiano Ronaldo's summer departure to Juventus, while Hazard has enjoyed sparkling form for the Blues, who sit joint-top of the Premier League with Liverpool and Manchester City.

The links between Real and Hazard have been frequent so far this year and were prevalent in the build-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

This is far from the first time the forward has openly flirted with a potential switch to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, as Hazard most recently said it's been his dream to represent Los Blancos since he was a child:

BT Sport posted more of Hazard's most recent commentary on the transfer saga, which pointed to a dilemma for the player, who seemingly wants to be loyal to his club of six years but also would like to chase his vision:

Maurizio Sarri has at least done his bit since arriving at the Chelsea helm to convince Hazard to stay, with the west Londoners sharing the Premier League lead and having knocked Liverpool out of the Carabao Cup.

Yet to lose a competitive match under the Italian, Chelsea have regained the title-challenging mentality that seemed lost last term, and winning trophies would be one way to get Hazard to stay.

A winter move would be all but impossible to imagine in any case, as AS mentioned Chelsea value Hazard at €200 million (£175.8 million) and are in no desperate need to sell with owner Roman Abramovich backing them.

His contract expires in 2020, and so agreeing a new deal before next summer will be important if the club wants to avoid a similar situation to the one that saw Thibaut Courtois move to Real this summer. Ex-Chelsea defender and TalkSport presenter Jason Cundy said he's worth any investment:

Hazard is reportedly seen as Real's emergency escape plan, a potentially huge impact signing who could go a long way to filling the Ronaldo-shaped hole that appears to be having its effect on results this season. 

Los Blancos are without a win in four under Julen Lopetegui, and that desperate desire to get back to old form could lead to a January approach for Hazard.