Eden Hazard caused quite a commotion among football fans last night when he failed to confirm which club he would be joining this summer, despite reports claiming that he made a decision.
Manchester United were installed as the favourites for his signature yesterday evening, until speculation that Chelsea had submitted an offer seemed to muddy the water somewhat.
Lille's managing director Frederic Paquet went even further this morning by revealing that four clubs are eager to sign their star player.
With that in mind, Sports Mole has examined which club are most likely to win the race for one of Europe's hottest prospects.
Manchester City
This morning many bookmakers will have you believe that the Etihad Stadium is the most likely destination for the 21-year-old. Last week Hazard fuelled those rumours by claiming that he was likely to sign for one of the Manchester clubs. While Manchester United may be able to offer first team football on a regular basis, rivals City will be able to trump any wage offers made by the Old Trafford-based club.
Odds: 6/4
Manchester United
As mentioned earlier, United were made favourites to sign Hazard following reports in France that the attacker had opted for the Red Devils. The speculation claimed that the prospect of regular starting opportunities had won Hazard over. However, no deal has been concluded, despite reports that Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands last night to watch the Belgian score a hat-trick on his last outing for Lille.
Odds: 9/2
Chelsea
It appears that Chelsea would have had no chances of acquiring Hazard had they not have won the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on Saturday evening. The fact is though they did and Hazard himself has admitted that Chelsea's success changes things. It is thought that the winger would not consider a club that had failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Odds: 9/2
Real Madrid
Granted Hazard has already said they he would join a Premier League side, but this is Real Madrid. The Whites are said to be interested in his services, despite his public wish to move across the Channel. French legend Zinedine Zidane, who is currently a director at Real, has reportedly held discussions with the youngster in recent weeks.
Odds: 13/2
Sports Mole's verdict: Chelsea - If speculation is to be believed then Hazard was all set to join Man United. However, as Hazard has confessed, Chelsea winning the European Cup has altered the situation. With the financial power of Roman Abramovich behind them, the Blues will have no problems matching his wage demands. What's more, being based in London, he will be just an hour away from France or his native Belgium by train.
Liam Apicella
