Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard (7) looks on against Barcelona during a game at Allegiant Stadium.
Newcastle United being able to sign Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard would be a ‘good bit of business’, according to former Premier League striker Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Exit on the cards?
The Belgian’s current contract at the Bernabeu isn’t set to expire until 2024, but recent reports have suggested that the La Liga giants have lost faith in him, meaning that an exit could be sanctioned next year.
The Magpies and Aston Villa have both been credited with an interest in the 31-year-old, with a loan move containing a £17m option to buy mentioned.
The Latest: McAvennie’s comments
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that Newcastle pursuing Hazard would be a risk given his dip in form, but insisted that the 31-year-old still has the potential to be a difference-maker.
The Scotsman said of Hazard: “He is a great player but what is it Newcastle are going to get?
“He has not set the world on fire, he is not getting a game. [Philippe] Coutinho was the same, he is not getting a game now. It depends what you get.
“West Ham got the best of [Jesse] Lingard, Nottingham Forest have got the one that we all saw at Man United. So it depends what you get.
“He might take a loan deal because he is that playmaker. He might find it great at Newcastle with all the young players around him.
“I would not spend any money on him. Newcastle are on the up. Maybe they just want to bring a serial winner into the dressing room to show the young boys how to act.
“If they get the Hazard that can play but he has been bit-part at Real Madrid. It would be a good bit of business for Newcastle though.“
The Verdict: Get it done…
Whilst Hazard hasn’t been at his brilliant best of late, he has been dubbed ‘clinical’ by his manager Carlo Ancelotti and would be a fantastic addition at St. James’ Park.
The Belgium captain made a remarkable 202 goal contributions in just 352 appearances during his time at Chelsea and will therefore already be used to the style of play in the English top flight.
Hazard also has six trophies to his name from his Stamford Bridge days, and with Newcastle currently in line for a place in the Champions League, both parties seem aligned in their thirst for success.
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