Chelsea legend Ruud Gullit has warned his former club that they will have to compete for major trophies this season or risk losing star player Eden Hazard.

The Belgian has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge since the end of last season, with both Real Madrid and the player himself admitting their admiration for one another.

However, the winger has stayed put at Chelsea – for now. The transfer window may be closed in England, but that doesn’t mean foreign clubs can’t still buy from English clubs, and Hazard could still be a target of Los Blancos.

Hazard has two years left on his current contract at Chelsea, and with the Blues failing to make the Champions League this season it could be a sign that his time at the club has run its course.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Sport, Gullit insisted that the Blues must contend for trophies in order to keep their man.

“Players want to win trophies – you know your career is short.

“Hazard came to Chelsea to win things, not just to play well and earn a lot of money, and he still wants to win trophies – major ones – now.

“Chelsea have to create that opportunity for him – if they can’t, then you cannot blame him if he does want to leave. Can they do it this season? It is too early to tell.”