According to reports in Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, via BBC Football, Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has hinted that he would be willing to listen to an offer from Real Madrid if one arrived.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Champions League winners following some fine form for the Blues in recent seasons – he was named as Chelsea’s Player of the Season after helping them reclaim the Premier League trophy this term – and he has refused to rule out joining Real in the future.

While that may not happen this summer following news that he has broken his ankle in training while on international duty with Belgium, the comments may be of concern for Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and the club’s supporters.

What did he say?

In the interview with HLN, Hazard replied when asked what he would do if he was offered a deal by  Real Madrid: “Of course I’ll listen. We all have dreams. It could be Spain, it could be staying with Chelsea.

“But it’s not something I’m thinking about right now. We’ll see.

“If I would ever join Real Madrid, I could end up on the bench too. I just want the best solution for myself.”

What do those comments suggest?

They would suggest that while Hazard is clearly happy at Chelsea and is revelling in being one of their star men, the chance to play for Real Madrid at some point in the future may be too good to turn down.

However, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale already at the Bernabeu the Belgian may think twice before making the move to Spain where he may not be a guaranteed starter in attack every week like he is at Stamford Bridge.

What happens next?

Seeing as he is likely to be out of action for at least two months and could miss the start of the 2017/18 season, not a lot.

Even if Real want to sign Hazard they won’t be able to until nearer the end of the summer transfer window, and the Blues will probably refuse to sell him at that point as they will be running out of time to sign a top-class replacement.

The Premier League champions may choose to offer the 26-year-old a bumper new deal too to ward off the interest from Real.

The European Under-21 Championships kicked off in Poland on Friday as England played out a goalless draw with the reigning champions Sweden.

While there wasn’t too much to shout about for the Three Lions after a toothless display, Everton fans would have been happy to see their new £30m signing Jordan Pickford save a late penalty to give his side a share of the points.

Pickford isn’t the only player at the tournament attracting attention from Premier League clubs as a whole host of wonder kids will be looking to impress suitors while guiding their side to glory.

A number of Premier League clubs will have been keeping tabs on the players on show for years and will be intrigued to see how the talented youngsters handle themselves on the pitch.

Here are five players we’ve picked out who Premier League clubs will particularly be keeping their eye on…

Federico Bernardeschi

The first man on our list will be one of great interest to Chelsea and Manchester United fans.

Fiorentina winger Federico Bernadeschi has been an outstanding performer in Serie A this season, bagging 11 goals and four assists in 27 starts for the Florence outfit.

Tuttosport have reported that both the Blues and Red Devils are vying for the 23-year-old’s signature, while Juventus and Inter Milan are also apparently interested.

The tricky winger’s dribbling ability and penchant for a killer ball will be very important for the Italians, who are one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

Max Meyer

Another talented midfielder, Max Meyer has already got his tournament off to the best start possible.

The 21-year-old scored Germany’s opening goal of the tournament in a comfortable 2-0 win over the Czech Republic.

Meyer recently put both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool on red alert after he confirmed he would not be signing a new contract extension with Schalke 04, as per ESPN.

The agile playmaker has already made over 150 appearances with the club but is available on a free transfer next summer.

Sandro Ramirez

Everton fans won’t just be excited to see Jordan Pickford in action this summer as another signing of theirs will be hoping to have an impact on the other side of the pitch.

Sandro Ramirez has already signed for the Toffees according to the Daily Mail – and for the bargain price of just £5.2million.

Ronald Koeman will be hoping he can make a mockery of that price tag as the Malaga striker managed 14 league goals last term.

A Barcelona graduate, Sandro will be hoping his smart finishing and ability to shoot from range can replace the void that would be left by Romelu Lukaku’s impending departure.

Tammy Abraham

Coming off the back of a 23-goal season in the Championship, it’s no wonder Tammy Abraham’s name has been linked with a number of Premier League sides.

The 19-year-old, who starred for Bristol City last season, is currently a Chelsea player but will most likely have his options limited at Stamford Bridge this term.

A loan move therefore seems likely, with Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion the most likely destinations according to the London Evening Standard.

The striker’s ability to score a host of different goals could prove incredibly important as the newly-promoted sides look to stay in the division.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Considered by many to be one of the brightest prospects in world football, it’s no surprise to see Gianluigi Donnarumma on this list.

Despite just being 18, Donnarumma started every game for Italian giants AC Milan last season and is seen as the natural heir to Gianluigi Buffon’s jersey.

Last week, the Italian stopper set Europe’s top clubs on alert as he confirmed he would not be staying at his boyhood club.

Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint Germain have been heavily linked, but Manchester United have also been strongly linked should they need a replacement for David De Gea.

The arrival of Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen to Goodison Park has been widely viewed as another nail in the coffin of Ross Barkley’s Everton future but in truth the last rites on that were administered a good while back. A protracted contract dispute first stalled then became a divisive issue separating player from club and with Barkley – capable of the brilliant, incapable of performing the ordinary on a regular basis – repeatedly exasperating boss Ronald Koeman on the pitch his fate off it was sealed.

So where now for a player who was once lauded as an international superstar in the making, a cross between Gazza and Michael Ballack according to former charge and head cheerleader Roberto Martinez back in 2013. Tottenham keep popping up in the gossip columns but a significant caveat to a potential move down south is that the links seem to originate from the player’s camp and nowhere else. Manchester United have also been mentioned as too have figures north of £40m. Neither of these will come to pass. A wage-doubling switch to the London Stadium has additionally been mooted.

Given the 23-year-old’s estimation of potential and talent in recent seasons, that contrasts so sharply with his present predicament, it is fair to say that he is at a career crossroads this summer but it is not only his choice of destination that will determine the nature of his legacy in years to come. Barkley must somehow unlock the player that he once promised to be, to revive his swagger but more importantly meld that with thought and effectiveness. To prove to everyone that regression is temporary but class is permanent. As early as 2015/16 the signs were there that this was a one-man show minus a second act; a midfielder with a tendency to take an unnecessary extra touch at the expense of straightforward through-balls to Lukaku; a schemer without the decision-making tools to execute a plan. So dramatic was his plateauing that people began to talk, with former team-mate – and long-time champion of the Liverpudlian – Kevin Kilbane saying late last year: “You know from speaking to Martinez he let him go out and express himself, but I think that maybe took away from his development.”

Barkley’s stalled progress seems to lie at the heart of his problems that has seen him badly fade from the England reckoning and considered dispensable at Goodison. Two months ago Leon Osman said this: “He’s been playing in the first team since he was 17-18. It’s worrying that he’s still being talked about as a young player.”

That same month Graeme Souness went in two-footed: “If I was playing with him I’d be falling out with him. Not every game; every five minutes. He runs with it when he should pass it, he passes it when he should run with it.  His decision making is poor in the extreme.”

These are pointed criticisms so rarely dished out from pro to pro and if they seem a touch harsh they also highlight a fundamental difference in how the player’s summer is being portrayed and the colder realities. Spurs or Man U? Forty million plus? Not a chance. Not now. It very much feels like Ross Barkley will need to take a step back before any subsequent movement onwards and upwards.

Despite a mixed campaign the player provided eight assists last season, an impressive tally that does him great credit during a difficult time. Yet this is counterweighted by numerous occasions when an assist was on, it was right there at his feet, and he over-hit, under-played, or sometimes just plain kept possession defying all logic. It is this inconsistency that I believe will cost Barkley a move to a top six outfit: the likes of Spurs and United simply cannot afford to tolerate the woeful with the wonderful.

The Hammers however, well perhaps, and it would serve the player well to accept his current situation and standing and take whatever offer comes his way that will furnish him with the opportunity to play regular Premier League and rehabilitate his fallen reputation.

To my mind Barkley is far too talented to be written off, now or anytime soon. But the warning signs are there, with a graveyard full of English midfielders who were once considered the bright future of club and country until patience ran thin and we all, as one, became enamoured by others.

Ironically two, in Jack Rodwell and Tom Cleverley, have connections to Everton. Now each are forgotten men. Barkley would do well to remember that.

It’s hard to believe but Rangers are on the verge of beginning their 2017/2018 season before the month of June has even finished.

The Light Blues host Luxembourg side Progres Niedercorn on Thursday night at Ibrox, kicking off what they hope will be a successful European campaign.

Pedro Caixinha hasn’t wasted any time transforming the squad from last year’s poor showing and it’s a massively exciting time for supporters who will be eager to see some new faces in UEFA Europa League action.

The Light Blues have already made a massive eight signings this summer, seven of which are permanent deals and many of them have already featured for the club in friendly matches over the last couple of weeks.

It’s perhaps hard to predict who will emerge as the stand-out stars of Pedro Caixinha’s new look first team but we’ve given it a stab and we reckon these THREE new signings may well end up being the core of Rangers over the next 12 months…

Bruno Alves

Bruno Alves needs no introduction to anyone who follows European or international football. A bonafide Portuguese legend, he’s won trophies throughout his career for teams like Porto, Zenit and Fenerbahce. The crown jewel in his honours list is of course last year’s European Championship he won with Ronaldo and company in France.

It was a bit of coup when Pedro Caixinha unveiled him as Rangers’ first signing of the summer and set the tone for the numerous exciting names that followed.

Fans may have to wait a while longer for him to make his debut as he is currently on international duty with Portugal at the Confederations Cup. Nonetheless, he’s well placed to emerge as the star performer of the Rangers team over the next season.

At 35 he may not be the youngest player in the Scottish Premiership but he has an experience and pedigree unlike almost any other player in the division.

Rangers have needed a calming, accomplished presence in their backline and with Clint Hill leaving the club, Alves is a definite upgrade on their best defender last term.

Carlos Pena

Moving into midfield and the acquisition of Carlos Pena can also be seen as something of a coup for Rangers. Having spent the last couple of years signing players from the English lower leagues, it’s a breath of fresh air for supporters to see the club go out and sign a Mexican international in the peak years of his career.

Having won trophies with Leon and Guadalajara in his homeland, he’s embarking on a career in Europe and will likely be motivated to make an impression on the British football scene.

With 19 caps for Mexico, it’s clear he has talent. As reported by The Daily Record, he’s been described as a ‘very good player who can control matches’ by Mexican football legend Luis Garcia and could be the midfield presence the Light Blues have been looking for, for a while now.

Rangers were far too lightweight in the middle of the park last term and an accomplished international at 27 years of age working under a manager who knows all about him could be huge for the club over the coming season.

Alfredo Morelos

Alfredo Morelos is not a name that was known to almost every Rangers fan before he signed but his goalscoring record for HJK Helsinki is enough to get any supporter excited.

At the Finnish club he scored a fantastic 46 goals in 62 matches, including 16 in his last 19 for the club before signing for Rangers.

Although you’d hardly call the Finnish top-flight the strongest league in Europe, it’s still an impressive return, especially for a player who has just turned 21.

With football in Finland played on a summer schedule he should be at peak fitness and could hit the ground running against relatively easy opposition like the team from Luxembourg who visit on Thursday night.

If he does that and gets his confidence up in the early part of the season he could score an absolute barrel-load for the club over the next 12 months and become the striker fans have been waiting for.

As reported by The Daily Mail, Newcastle United are ready to make a major move in the summer transfer window, targeting Manchester City star Fabian Delph.

What’s the story?

Newcastle have already signed two players so far in their bid to build a squad capable of cutting it in the English Premier League and it seems that Rafa Benitez has set his sights on another.

The Daily Mail reckon Fabian Delph is high on the Spaniard’s shopping list. However, with Manchester City’s asking price thought to be around £12m, will Newcastle chiefs commit to that kind of spending?

The paper say that Benitez has been frustrated by inaction in securing some of his targets and his interest in Delph is sure to be a real test of the club’s desire to back their manager with cash.

Is he what Newcastle need?

The bottom half of the English Premier League is more competitive than ever and if the Magpies are to comfortably stay in the division next season then they need players with significant top-flight experience. Delph has that with 173 appearances between his spells at Aston Villa and City.

Although he’s failed to break into Pep Guardiola’s plans at the Etihad, he is a classy midfielder who possesses technical ability, pace and composure, attributes that could be key at St James’ Park next term.

Regular football at Newcastle could be key for the midfielder with places in Gareth Southgates’ England squad up for grabs. Is the north east the destination for him to show he’s an international level player again?

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West Ham United fans got their first glimpse of new signing Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez on Tuesday evening.

The Mexico international, who recently joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen in a £16m deal, made a cameo appearance in a 3-3 draw with Altona in Germany.

The match concluded West Ham’s pre-season trip, and it was certainly eventful.

Slaven Bilic’s side came from behind three times, with Toni Martinez and Andre Ayew getting on the scoresheet, while Joshua Du Preez’s own goal gave the Premier League club a draw.

Winston Reid had a disappointing return to action following his recovery from a shin injury as he was sent off after a second bookable offence.

Hernandez, who spent five years at Manchester United, was introduced onto the pitch in the 70th minute.

A short runout during a pre-season friendly will not exactly give a huge indication as to how he will perform in competitive action, but fans were pleased with what they saw.

The 29-year-old’s arrival has contributed to a positive summer of transfers for the Hammers, who have also brought in Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart and Marko Arnautovic.

Arsenal twice came from behind to open their 2017-18 Premier League challenge with a 4-3 victory over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

Once again, Arsenal’s failings at the back were on display, but a late header from Olivier Giroud saw the Gunners snatch all the points in the seven-goal thriller in the capital.

The London club will be looking to make it back-to-back wins when they travel to Stoke City this weekend, and head coach Arsene Wenger praised his team for fighting back against the Foxes in the opening match of the new season.

Many supporters feel that the victory merely papered over the cracks, however, with Arsenal struggling to contain Leicester’s counter-attacking threat for long periods.

Arsenal have not been active in the transfer market since signing Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette last month, and it has been claimed that the club has given up its pursuit of AS Monaco attacker Thomas Lemar.

Arsenal fans continue to demand new signings, however, and it will certainly be an interesting end to the transfer window for the Gunners.

According to reports from The Sun, Newcastle United are amongst the clubs interested in signing Arsenal’s ever-crocked star Jack Wilshere.

The 34-cap England international wasn’t picked for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Leicester City last week after suffering a leg break at the end of last term.

But it’s alleged that Wilshere was available for selection against the Foxes on Friday and his absence from the squad has left him resigned to leaving his boyhood club.

On paper, the 25-year-old would be a fantastic acquisition for the Toon, who are looking to re-establish themselves in the Premier League after gaining promotion from the Championship.

But Wilshere always comes at a compromise of talent versus fitness; last season’s leg break was just one in a string of recurring injuries that have unquestionably stopped him reaching his full potential.

So, Newcastle fans, would you take a punt on the often-injured playmaker or should the Magpies steer clear? Let us know by voting below…

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Chelsea are considering making a move for Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye as a deal for Leicester City’s Danny Drinkwater continues to stall.The Blues are keen to reunite the England international with N’Golo Kante, but the Daily Mail says that the Foxes’ £40m asking price for the 27-year-old is proving to be a major stumbling block and the Premier League holders could look elsewhere in their search for Nemanja Matic’s replacement.The report adds that Conte had considered a move for Gueye earlier in the summer and now could return to try and sign the Senegal international, although only a big offer would tempt the Merseyside outfit as the midfielder has become such a key player for the Toffees after joining from Aston Villa last summer.Chelsea supporters were quick to have their say on the rumour via social media, and while many would prefer to sign Gueye over Drinkwater, others are pessimistic on their chances of convincing Everton to sell at this late stage of the transfer window.Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

As reported by The Daily Record, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken for the first time about Rangers’ summer spending and what it says about their ambitions in the Scottish Premiership.

What’s the story?

The Light Blues made a massive 11 summer signings with manager Pedro Caixinha getting the opportunity and the backing to stamp his own authority on the squad inherited from Mark Warburton.

Now, ahead a big derby clash next weekend, Celtic boss Rodgers has suggested that means they’re gunning for Celtic’s league title.

As quoted by The Daily Record, Rodgers said:

They spent more than us – and we’re a Champions League club. So that tells you that their idea is to win the league. It’s not to finish third. Not to finish above Aberdeen. It’s to win the league. Pedro obviously came in during the close season and was able to assess and look at different methods that Rangers can try to work and play. And I’m sure they will be reasonably happy with how they have started.

Given Caixinha’s own preference for speaking openly and honestly to the press, we could be set for interesting week of quotes from both sets of managers as their teams prepare to do battle.

Mind games?

With these comments, it appears as if Rodgers is putting subtle pressure on Celtic’s city rivals to show that they are capable of living up to their price tag in next month’s derby. The ‘they’ve spent more than us’ comment is illuminating given the difference in quality between the two sides and the fact the Hoops have had a much stronger start to their season than Rangers, home and abroad.

More dropped points away to Partick Thistle on Friday night has halted Caixinha’s progress again and if the Ibrox side lose at home to Celtic next week they’ll already be a massive eight points adrift.

It’s all set to be another enthralling encounter between the two sides.