Rumour: Valencia join Liverpool in race for Chelsea’s Thorgan Hazard

Thorgan Hazard in action for SV Zulte Waregem

Thorgan Hazard’s future remains uncertain, with Valencia reportedly throwing their hat into the ring to sign the Chelsea youngster. Both Everton and Liverpool are said to be interested in Hazard, who spent last season on loan in his native Belgium with Zulte Waregem, while Chelsea could yet decide to keep him.

Hazard, younger brother of Chelsea regular Eden, impressed during his loan spell, leading to interest from Merseyside as well as the recent La Liga interest from Valencia.

Chelsea have not made a decision on his future next season, with the club having a number of options to choose from. They could decide to keep the 21 year old at the club, send him out for another loan spell, or to cash in and sell him.

The Express believe that the latter is the most likely option and that Valencia are leading the race for his signature.

Attacking midfield player Hazard would face a tricky route to the Chelsea first team if he were to stay. He would be competing with his brother Eden, Willian, Andre Schurrle, Mohamed Salah and Oscar, as well as fellow returning loanees Marko Marin and Lucas Piazon.

Such competition for places could see him move permanently in search of first team football. Hazard was initially named in Belgium’s World Cup squad, but didn’t make the final 23 of Marc Wilmots’ squad.