Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard is being strongly linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Los Blancos recently parted ways with Cristiano Ronaldo and they view the Belgian as the ideal replacement.
Hazard has been a key player for the Blues since he joined in 2012 and while new manager Maurizio Sarri will be determined to keep him at Stamford Bridge, it could be hard to prevent the determination of Madrid from securing their target.
Below are players that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy could consider signing if Hazard does depart.
1. Gareth Bale
Bale has indicated that he would ideally like to remain in Madrid after scoring two goals during the Champions League final against Liverpool to help Los Blancos win their third successive Champions League title.
The Welsh international was however not satisfied with his lack of starts for Madrid last season and he may consider leaving if new Madrid manager Julen Loptegui does not give him assurances over regular first-team football.
The 29-year-old Bale is still a fantastic footballer and is tried and tested in England having scored 42 Premier League goals from 146 League appearances for Tottenham between 2007-2013.
2. Anthony Martial
Martial may be tempted to leave Manchester United if he can receive assurances over his chances of first-team football from another quality club. He may struggle to receive regular playing time under Jose Mourinho next season as he will have to compete against the likes of Marcus Rashford and Alexis Sanchez for a place in the team.
Martial also is tried and tested at Premier League level, although questions do remain over his consistency and whether he could help a side launch a Premier League challenge.
3. Nabil Fekir
The French international was expected to move to Liverpool last month but the deal collapsed at the last minute. The 24-year-old was impressive last season as he scored 23 goals from 39 games in all competitions for Lyon whom he is poised to leave. Though Fekir is not tested in England, he is a quality player and will be a decent choice as a replacement for the influential Hazard.
4. Wilfried Zaha
Zaha reportedly wants out of Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old has been a key figure within the Palace team for the past four seasons and he arguably deserves to be playing for a better team.
Questions do, however, remain over whether Zaha or not will be able to deliver at a big club especially considering that he was unable to deliver while he was on the books of Manchester United between 2013-15.
