Newcastle United want to sign former Chelsea favourite

Newcastle United are interested in signing former Chelsea favourite Eden Hazard in the New Year, according to AS.

The Magpies have exceeded expectations during the ongoing campaign and they are currently third in the Premier League.

The hierarchy are likely to back them with funds in January and it is reported that they could aim to land Hazard from Real Madrid.

The Belgian has been out-of-favour under Carlo Ancelotti for some time and he has made just two starts for the club this campaign.

His contract does not expire until June 2024, but reports claim that Los Blancos are open to offloading him at the turn of the year.

The Magpies are willing to pay around £17.5 million for his services and it remains to be seen whether Los Blancos accept the proposal.

The European champions bought him for a staggering £100m three years ago and they must accept a significant loss to offload him.

Arsenal are also said to be keeping tabs on the 31-year-old.