Eden Hazard falls for Chelsea's European pulling power

After a long and painful chase involving at least four English clubs, Hazard's announcement on Twitter wasn't exactly the most inspiring. The 21-year-old posted: "I'm signing for the Champion's League winner." We've all had our fair share of trouble with apostrophes, but he might at least have waited until his new club were ready to share the joyous news. Chelsea's non-committal response suggests the deal might not be done just yet.

Manchester City were reportedly leading the chase for the Belgian international but appear to have been gazumped. Roman Abramovich will now have to shell out in the region of £35 million to Lille, in addition to around £9 million a year in wages.

Hazard, who was voted Ligue 1's player of the year for a second successive season, netted 20 goals in 35 league starts this term. He has also made 27 appearances for Belgium's senior squad and Chelsea will have the opportunity to cast their eye over Hazard as he turns out for Belgium at Wembley on Saturday. Belgium are 7.26/1 to end Roy Hodgson's honeymoon period rather early.

Hazard's arrival will inevitably have major repercussions for many of Chelsea's current crop. Florent Malouda is likely to be the first out the door, with Turkish clubs reportedly among those sniffing around the former Lyon winger. Much of course will depend on who is occupying Chelsea's dugout come next season, although technical director Michael Emelano is conducting transfer business in the meantime.

Porto striker Hulk was also expected to be joining the ranks at Stamford Bridge, but Andre Villas-Boas' departure could yet prove a sticking point. The deal was supposedly agreed with Villas-Boas still in charge and Hulk could be considerably less keen now that his former boss has moved to pastures new. Whether it be Hulk or not, Chelsea remain in the hunt for a centre forward, though they are keen to keep Fernando Torres on side.

The champions of Europe are currently 6.411/2 to regain the Premier League crown next season and can be backed at 1.84/5 to finish in the top three.