Why is Eden Hazard Europe's most wanted player?

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Hazard scored a hat-trick in his final game for Lille

Manchester United and City were thought to be favourites for his signature but, in the past 24 hours, the player has stated Chelsea’s Champions League victory has made him think twice.

It's not only the headline writers who want to see the Belgian come to the Premier League...

Eden Hazard is a wanted man and the Belgian midfielder is being vigorously perused by Premier League giants Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United as they look to build for the new season.

But why are the biggest names in England prepared to splash out a rumoured £200,000-a-week for the 21-year-old? Here are some stats that may help explain...

Name: Eden Hazard
DOB: 7 January 1991 (21-years-old)
Club: Lille (192 games, 38 goals)
Country: Belgium (26 caps, 1 goal)
Position: Attacking midfielder/Winger
Honours: Ligue 1 (2010/11), Coupe de France (2010/11), Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year (2009 and 2010), Ligue 1 Player of the Year (2011 and 2012)

The stats only tell half the story though - here's what some of the people closest to the player have to say about him...

Lille captain Rio Mavuba: "He's a great player, with an immense talent. He's actually not that big, but he's so fast. He's also very difficult to dispossess and his finishing is top notch".

Lille youth academy director Jean-Michel: "He is a real competitor, not a cheat, nor a moaner, because you don't hear him complaining when he gets fouled".

Lille teammate Joe Cole: "Hazard is different class. He's still only 21-years-old and has definitely got another few gears to go up. He's got the same attitude as Rooney at that age. He's fearless,"

"He's a bit like Messi. There's only one Messi and I don't want to put pressure on the kid, but he's like him - short, squat, powerful legs, great touch, he can finish - he's got everything."

Where next?

So, where is Hazard - who scored 20 goals and set up 17 this season - going to end up?

Manchester United and City were thought to be favourites for his signature but, in the past 24 hours, the player has stated Chelsea's Champions League victory has made him think twice.

Speaking on Canal+, he said: "Chelsea makes you hesitate. They've won the Champions League and they'll be in it next season.

"It's important for me to play in that competition. Chelsea are a great team with great players. Of course it's a possibility.

"It is possible that Chelsea's arrival at the negotiation table will delay things, as nothing is done."

City, with their financial clout and need of wide players, must still be favourites but, with Chelsea winning the Champions League - surely the ultimate club ambition for any player - their brilliant few weeks could be about to get even better.

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