Chelsea are considering a shock move for Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho if Eden Hazard is sold to Real Madrid this summer, reports claim.
Hazard has made a decision on his future and he is widely expected to join Madrid at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Coutinho’s switch to Barcelona has been largely disappointing, and a host of clubs, including former employers Liverpool, continue to monitor his situation.
According to the Independent, Chelsea have joined the race to try and lure the talented Brazilian back to the Premier League, as they prepare for life with Hazard.
Speaking to French radio station RMC as part of a documentary that aired on Wednesday night, Hazard said: “I know what I am going to do. I have made a decision.”
And the Telegraph reports he will officially inform Chelsea he wants to leave.
The Belgian will have just one year left on his contract by the summer, and it is understood the Blues will demand more than £100million for him.
Madrid are reportedly confident of launching a successful bid to finally land the 28-year-old, which would leave Chelsea with more than enough money for Coutinho.
Barcelona remain clear their £142million man is not for sale, despite links with Chelsea and Manchester United.
Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barca’s club president, told Marca.”We expect a lot from him [Coutinho].
“We do not want to sell him, he’s one of the good players we want to have.”
The former Liverpool star has endured a frustrating season, netting just four goals in La Liga.