Chelsea will reject a £70m offer from Real Madrid for Eden Hazard, according to reports in the English media.

The Spanish club will make the bid knowing the Blues are holding out for a lot more, but it will be the opening gambit in what will prove to be a drawn-out negotiation between the two clubs.

Hazard has just over 12 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and has repeatedly hinted he is open to a switch to Madrid.

The Belgian has reportedly already rejected a number of contract offers from the Blues that would have seen him receive a sizeable increase to his current salary.

Hazard is believed to be keen on working under manager Zinedine Zidane at Real, making it highly unlikely that he’ll be staying in London next season.

Whether Chelsea’s transfer ban will strengthen their resolve to keep him, it remains to be seen. Reports have suggested the Blues are holding out for over £100m for the Belgian international.