Real Madrid plot to convince Hazard-fan Zidane to return is bad news for Chelsea… and outcast Bale
Los Blancos parted ways with the Frenchman after club president Florentino Perez refused to buy Blues star last summer
REAL MADRID president Florentino Perez has made Zinedine Zidane his No1 target to take over at the Bernabeu following the club's humiliating Champions League exit.
And that could be an ominous sign for Chelsea, with the Frenchman a long-term admirer of star Blues forward Eden Hazard - as well as bad news for outcast Gareth Bale.
Real Madrid were shockingly eliminated from the Champions League following the 4-1 home defeat to Ajax on Tuesday.
And according to Marca, the embarrassing capitulation was the final straw for boss Santiago Solari, who is now certain to lose his job at the end of the season.
Jose Mourinho is keen on returning to his former club despite leaving Madrid in disgrace, having fallen out with prominent figures in the dressing room.
But Zidane could be the man making a stunning Los Blancos comeback this summer after Perez has reportedly set his eyes on a reunion with the Frenchman.
A source told Marca: "The circumstances for a possible return have changed, don't dismiss it."
And, that seems to be a bad news for Chelsea.
Zidane left the Bernabeu last year despite inspiring Madrid to a Champions League triplet during his rein after a disagreement with Perez over the future of the club.
The 46-year-old coach quit Los Blancos as he failed to convince his boss to sign Hazard as well as Manchester United ace David De Gea.
But now Perez could cave in and get Zidane his man - with the Belgian star interested in a summer move to Bernabeu - as he is desperate to convince the Frenchman to lead the club's summer overhaul.
Zidane, who still lives in Madrid, is also reportedly encouraged by the fact he could take over a revamped dressing room following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
And that could be ominous for Bale, who could follow suit as he is enduring a tough time in Madrid this season despite celebrating his 100th goal for the club recently.
The 29-year-old Welshman was booed after a La Liga loss to Barcelona last week and is expected to be given the boot as a part of an expected ruthless summer rebuild.