Real Madrid put Neymar top of wish list in huge blow to Hazard dream of joining La Liga giants from Chelsea
Blues could be breathing a huge sigh of relief as reports claim the Galacticos have made PSG's Brazilian their No1 target
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CHELSEA will reportedly be breathing a sigh of relief as Real Madrid made Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar their No1 summer target.
The Galacticos have long-been linked with a swoop for the Blues’ talisman, with Stamford Bridge chiefs bracing themselves to try and fight off a massive bid at the end of the season.
However, claims the La Liga giants have in fact set their sights on signing the world’s most-expensive footballer instead - joining Manchester United in the hunt for the Samba star.
Their report states: “Neymar is understood to have encouraged Madrid’s interest and is set to be rewarded with an increase on his current net salary of more than £25m a year.”
PSG rocked the whole game when they forked out £198m to bring the 27-year-old Brazilian to France from Barcelona two years ago.
But after the emergence of Kylian Mbappe into the elite level of the planet’s football stars, and with added pressure of Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations, a blockbuster move could be on the cards.
By selling the forward, PSG would not only recoup their huge outlay, they would also free up a huge chunk of space on their wage bill.
And that could have huge ramifications for both Chelsea and Hazard.
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The Belgian is only under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2020 and he has made no secret of his dream to play for the Bernabeu club one day.
But if Madrid could pull off an incredible deal for Neymar, then they would unlikely be able to meet the fee wanted by the Premier League side for their most-prized asset.
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Hazard, 28, has been offered the most lucrative terms in Chelsea’s history to extend his contract but has so far resisted putting pen to paper.
And he will no doubt be watching on as keenly as the rest to see whether Madrid push on with their attempt for Neymar – who is desperate to be recognised as the best player on the globe.
Madrid’s president Florentino Perez has used that to publically try and swoon Neymar before.
At the World Player of the Yeart Awards in 2017 he said: “Being in Madrid would make it easier to win the Ballon d’Or.
“Real Madrid is a club which gives all you need as a big player, everyone knows that I already wanted to sign him at one point.”
PSG have endured a difficult relationship with Neymar and his family entourage.
Ten months ago club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Antero Henrique travelled to Brazil to meet Neymar and his father and discuss how they could keep the pair happy, with talks even involving who should replace Unai Emery as manager.
Neymar has also been criticised for moving to France with the league widely-considered to be of sub-standard to the rest of Europe’s top divisions.
Countryman and fellow ex-PSG man Ronaldinho recently spoke out in his defence, and the Samba magician has now also launched his own rant at the misconception Ligue 1 is easy.
And he also hinted that he needs more protection from referees.
Speaking to Youtube channel Fui Clear, Neymar said: “I agree with Ronaldinho: those who think that Ligue 1 is an easy league are wrong.
“The physical level is very high. More than in Spain. There is more quality in Spain, but the L1 is difficult. Playing against two lines of four, with two-meter players, it's complicated, but you have to find the solutions in the field.
“The referee controls the game, he is the director, he must whistle and protect the physical integrity of each player, not just me.”
Neymar missed PSG's Champions League first leg victory at Manchester United last week through injury but he hopes to fit in time for any potential quarter-final.
Even without their record buy, the French side are 10 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, losing just once in the top-flight all season, and travel to Saint-Etienne today.