‘It’s a shame’: Int’l teammate saddened by £88.5m reported Newcastle target’s situation

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Dries Mertens believes it is a ‘shame’ his Belgium teammate Eden Hazard is struggling for minutes at Real Madrid, via AS, amid reports Newcastle United are exploring a transfer.

Hazard has only started four of his 10 La Liga appearances so far this season for a mere 349-minutes. Only 51 of those minutes have come since the start of October, as well.

Carlo Ancelotti has been reluctant to field the 30-year-old often with Hazard struggling to influence matches. The former Chelsea forward is yet to score in any competition this term and has only provided one assist. Finding Karim Benzema on the opening day in August.

Newcastle are paying close attention to Hazard’s unwanted situation at Real Madrid, two-and-a-half-years on from a £88.5m transfer to Spain. A deal which could exceed £150m.

Reports by ESPN claim intermediaries have contacted Newcastle and Chelsea to discuss a transfer to take Hazard from Real Madrid. While Sport note the Magpies are confident they can make the 115-cap winger their first marquee signing since the takeover.

Hazard situation at Real Madrid upsets Mertens amid Newcastle transfer interest

Ancelotti has stated that he will not stand in Hazard’s way if he wants to accept a transfer to Newcastle.

But Mertens jokes he will call the Italian – under whom he played for at Napoli – and convince the former Everton boss to give Hazard another chance at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I think I have to call Carlo because it is not fair,” he said, while laughing. “I’m not kidding.

“Eden has an incredible mindset that things will get better. It’s a shame there is a boy in his place who plays very well and Real Madrid is winning games. But it takes time.

“With time, all good footballers get minutes and I am sure that he will play again.”

Hazard has been available for all 12 of Real Madrid’s La Liga fixtures so far this season. Which was not the case under Ancelotti’s predecessor, Zinedine Zidane.

He missed 23 of the Galacticos’ 38 league games last term through injury, and 17 in 2019/20 following his transfer. But despite now having fitness, his plight has continued.

Vinicius Junior is giving Ancelotti no reason to bench him for Hazard, with seven goals and three assists in 12 La Liga appearances so far this season.