Eden Hazard was glowing about United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after he went to watch him for Lille at the weekend.
Poor Eden Hazard, it must be a tough life being the most in-demand young footballer in Europe.
Seriously, he has a tough life choice ahead of him and he won’t want to mess up the decision, even if it is a luxurious one to have to make.
Manchester United are the latest front runners, with Sir Alex Ferguson watching him reportedly for the third time in person over the weekend.
Asked after the game about his high-profile spectator, Hazard said: “Of course, [Manchester United] is a club that excites anyone.
“For now my focus is on Lille but yes, it is a pleasure to be watched by one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best.”
So will he be rocking up at Old Trafford in the summer?
Well it’s possible, but he has flirted with English clubs before through the media, and fans should not let excitement get in the way of perspective.
Let’s look at what the Belgian playmaker said about Spurs last month.
“I said I would go to England. Maybe I’ll go to Tottenham. It’s a great English club. There are great players [at Tottenham], a great manager. I haven’t signed anything yet. This will happen soon.”
It was all just talk though, Hazard trying to be complimentary and not rule out any of his options.
Harry Redknapp said three days ago he was confident Daniel Levy would finance such a move, but was worried about interest from United, City and Arsenal. Chelsea are also interested but their management situation has seen them fall behind in the race.
Arsene Wenger is a big fan, and has made overtures to him several times, but as with Manchester United, whether Arsenal want to spend £30 million on a winger is a big issue. Much may depend on the club’s managers plans to attempt to play him centrally.
But lets have a look at what serial flirt Hazard said about Arsenal last month- mentioning the fact joining an international team mate could be a factor;
“Of course. It’s always more fun when it’s beautiful [the football]. In addition, at Arsenal, there is a coach and French players. And Thomas Vermaelen,”
“There are several clubs that interest me in England and Arsenal is really a part.”
So what does all of this tell us? Well Manchester United are in pole position seemingly this week, but that can all change.
Expect Manchester City’s interest to ramp up especially if United edge them into second in this year’s title race.
It is almost certain to be one of this summer’s most drawn out, and likely frustrating, transfer sagas.
Where do you think he will go?
Where will Eden Hazard sign?
images: © Julien Haler, © Julien Haler
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