Liverpool lead busy queue for Ligue 1 star
Several giants from across the continent have been linked with a summer move for Lille star Eden Hazard but Liverpool are the favourites to land his signature according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The attacking midfielder, who is comfortable behind a striker or on either wing, has made a staggering 19 appearances already for Belgium despite only turning 20 earlier this year and has been one of his club's top performers as they chase their first Ligue 1 title in 57 years.
He has contributed seven goals and nine assists to Lille's quest to be crowned France's finest and had his first taste of silverware at the weekend as they defeated Paris St-Germain 1-0 in the capital, however even a domestic double isn't expected to keep him at the Stade Lille-Metropole next season.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all been spoken of as apparent admirers of Hazard but the Mirror claim that it is Liverpool that are in pole position to bring him in having requested that Lille keep them updated as to any developments regarding his future.
The number 26 is contracted until 2015, giving the French champions-elect the leeway to demand a hefty fee to part company with their most valuable asset, which is predicted to be around the £20 million mark.
Hazard himself has spoken about the prospect of leaving at the end of this campaign, and though that would appear a disadvantage to the Reds as they are the only one of his alleged suitors unable to offer Champions League football, something even his current employers will be able to.
Yet the Mirror suggest that the Belgian international won't be too worried about spending another year away from Europe's premier competition if he feels that a switch to Anfield will earn him more first-team opportunities and the chance of Champions League action not too far down the line.
Will Liverpool fight for the title next season? They are [12.0] to finish first...
Published: 18 May 2011
Adam, New York, USA (May 18, 2011 11:54 AM) said:
Hazard is going to Arsenal.
karsten kaspersen (May 18, 2011 1:06 PM) said:
Referees H. Webb and M. Atkinson are both god refs. And also 100 % anti-Liverpool!
They have been hurting LFC tremendously for a very long time by interpreting the rules harshly against LFC, which is unlawful according to the rules of fairness!
Yesterday (15 May 2011) Webb did this in the 0-2 defeat to Spurs:
9 minute: goal – possible freekick to LFC?
26 min. : P. Crouch acting, gets a freekick – destroyng a LFC pressure
28min. : LFC contra L Suarez kicked from behind but no freekick no yellow card
29 min. : Rose clearly commits penalty against Kuyt – not given
45 min. : P. Crouch commits freekick against L. Leiva – results in a chance for Spurs
SECOND HALF
46 min. : S. Pienaar should have been booked for a freekick against D. Kuyt
47 min. : P. Crouch commits freekick but not given – results in a chance to Spurs
54 min. : SCANDAL: Flanagans lawful shoulder tackle gives Spurs a penalty – outside of box!
77 min. : Danish commentator: ” Webb has had many fifty-fifty decisions against Liverpool”
83 min. : D. Kuyt`s acting gets LFC wrong freekick, danish commentator:”you could say LFC
has had such a freekick in coming”