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Report: Real Madrid will make summer move for Eden Hazard

Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley Livepic

Not content with its absurd collection of superstars, Real Madrid is planning on bolstering its squad this summer by adding arguably the best player in the Premier League.

The Spanish behemoth has put into motion a plan to secure the services of Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, with the Guardian's Sid Lowe reporting that contact has been made with the Belgian's camp over a potential switch.

Lowe adds that Los Blancos are also interested in prying superb shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois from the west London side - rumblings of discontent with Keylor Navas have been rife in the Spanish capital this season - but Hazard remains the prime objective.

Related - Courtois quashes Real Madrid link: 'I'm happy in London'

The diminutive attacker has been back to his explosive best after being the poster boy for Chelsea's downturn a year ago. Hazard, 26, has powered the Blues' march towards the league crown, scoring 11 times and chipping in with four assists for Antonio Conte's side.

The obvious question, as is often the case when Real Madrid is linked with an opulent move for another world class player, is simple: where would he fit, and would he be able to get minutes?

Despite already boasting an attacking triumvirate of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema, along with Alvaro Morata waiting in the wings for his opportunity, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane's admiration for the electric Hazard will see an offer pushed across the table once the transfer window opens this summer.

Lowe explains:

Madrid do not consider the large number of star players, including the "BBC" of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, to be an impediment to his inclusion in the team.They feel all those players are compatible and, in any case, that they must prepare for a post-Ronaldo era.

While Madrid doesn't need the additional cash to procure another high-priced stud, the club could part ways with both Morata and underused midfielder James Rodriguez to help facilitate a deal, notes Lowe.

Morata has struggled to earn minutes since returning to the club after a stint at Juventus, while the stately Colombian darling Rodriguez continues to sit on the bench, making only seven league starts on the campaign.

Hazard, who has three years left on his contract with Chelsea, would signal an upgrade on both men, and would also help club president Florentino Perez make a big splash during a year in which elections are set to be held - even though the tenured Perez is, according to Lowe, a virtual lock to retain his position.

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