Hazard father plays down rumor linking son with Real Madrid

Eden Hazard's father claims his son is only focused on helping Chelsea salvage their season despite reported interest from Real Madrid.

Following the appointment of Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid this week it is widely expected that the La Liga giants will step up their pursuit of the Belgian playmaker. French boss Zidane is a long-time admirer of Hazard and he could well try and tempt the Belgian to the Bernabeu in the summer.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been the shadow of the man that won the Player of the Year last season and has yet to score for the Blues this season in 27 games in all competitions. However, Hazard has scored four goals for Belgium and it is understood he could be receptive to a new challenge away from Stamford Bridge.

But, that scenario has been ruled out by his father Thierry Hazard, who told The Times: "Eden is at Chelsea and thinks only of Chelsea.

"Even with Chelsea, he has ambitions yet. Winning the title might be hard, but the top three is still possible."

Hazard, linked with Manchester United in one of the tabloids, is currently out injured with a groin problem which is set to keep him out of Guus Hiddink's team to face Scunthorpe in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.