In what is certainly a surprise rumour, Unai Emery is said to be keen on bringing Eden Hazard to Aston Villa.
The 50-year-old has only just replaced Steven Gerrard at Villa Park, although he is already thinking about his first headline addition, with the £381,000-a-week man in his sights.
That was according to Defensa Central in Spain, who believe Emery is hoping to sign Hazard in January amid a frustrating time for the Belgium international at the Santiago Bernabeu.
If the move does materialise, then it would seemingly come with the approval of Gary Lineker.
Lineker loves Aston Villa target Hazard
Well, the BBC Match of the Day host has made it clear that he adores the 31-year-old.
Lineker has previously described Hazard as a “very fine footballer” while watching him shine in the Premier League, before he echoed those sentiments when seeing the forward leave for Real Madrid in a deal worth £150m.
You can see the 61-year-old’s tweets in full below.
Unfortunately for Hazard, he has struggled badly in the Spanish capital.
Since arriving in Madrid back in 2019, the Belgian has only scored seven goals in 72 appearances.
Hazard has faced a very difficult time with injuries, and despite regaining full fitness this season, he has been left on the sidelines by Carlo Ancelotti more often than not.
The Real Madrid No.7 has made just six appearances so far this season.
Aston Villa must avoid Hazard
As tempting as it is given his past glories with Chelsea, Aston Villa have to avoid a move for Hazard.
As aforesaid, the Belgian commands a massive £381,000-a-week salary, so his arrival would immediately cause a disturbance in the dressing room, even if he takes a significant pay cut.
At the moment, the highest earner at Villa Park is Boubacar Kamara on £159,000-a-week.
The Villans have already signed a diminishing superstar of the past from La Liga in Philippe Coutinho, who has been poor this season despite shining on loan last term.
In our view, Emery should focus on bringing young talent to the Midlands, rather than declining stars such as Hazard.
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