Chelsea identify their top target to replace Eden Hazard

Chelsea have reportedly identified Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho as their prime target to replace Eden Hazard, who appears on course to join Real Madrid.

Hazard has already hinted that he could head to the Bernabeu and reports claim that it could be only a matter of days before the move is made official.

Amidst this, Spanish publication Sport claims that the Blues are actively pursuing a potential replacement and they have their sights on signing Coutinho from the Blaugrana this summer.

Coutinho has struggled to impress in the Spanish top-flight since making the move from Liverpool last year and reports indicate that the La Liga holders would be willing to sanction his sale at the right price.

The Catalan giants are said to demand at least £140m to part ways with the ex-Reds playmaker but the Blues are holding from making a proposal due to their transfer ban sanctioned by FIFA.

The west London side are not allowed to register any players due to a two transfer window embargo and they are entirely dependent on freezing the ban through the Court of Arbitration for Sport to strengthen their squad.