Transfer gossip: Chelsea keen to swap Eden Hazard for Gareth Bale

Unsettled Real Madrid star Gareth Bale's and the German Bundesliga's deadliest marksman feature in today's transfer round-up.

BALE COULD BE A TARGET FOR CHELSEA

Real Madrid’s eagerness to bring Chelsea’s Eden Hazard to the Bernabeu may see them consider a lavish swap deal involving their club record signing Gareth Bale, according to fresh reports.

Rumours in Spain over the last few months have suggested that Hazard is one of Real Madrid’s top transfer targets, with the club’s new manager Zinedine Zidane known to be a firm admirer of the Belgian playmaker.

Despite his alarming slump in form in the back end of 2015, Real Madrid still see Hazard as a player they want to add to their ranks of superstars and the question remains whether they would allow Bale to leave if he is being replaced by the current PFA Footballer of the Year.

Manchester United tried and failed with extravagantly expensive bids to sign Bale from Real Madrid last summer, but a move that could see both clubs acquiring top quality players may be more palatable to the hierarchy at the Spanish club.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have played down reports that Bale is unhappy at the club following the sacking of coach Rafa Benitez on Monday, with Zindane insisting the Welshman is a central cog in the club’s future.

DORTMUND STAR COULD BE A BIG JANUARY MOVER

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could emerge as the biggest signing by a Premier League club in this transfer window, amid fresh reports in Germany the Bundesliga’s leading scorer could be destined for the Premier League.

Arsenal and Liverpool are believed to be at the front of the queue to sign Aubameyang, with the 26-year-old Frenchman missing training with his club on Tuesday due to “a personal appointment”, according to a club statement.

Bids in excess of £40m would be required before Dortmund would consider selling their star man this month, but that figure may not deter big spending Premier League clubs who have the guarantee of a windfall of fresh money from the lucrative new TV contract that will kick in next summer.

“We all hope he will stay,” said his Dortmund team-mate Matthias Ginter when asked about Aubameyang. “He’s very important, on the pitch and off, for what he contributes to the group atmosphere.”

Aubameyang has fired 18 Bundesliga goals this season, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp well aware of his abilities as he worked with the Frenchman in his final two years with Dortmund.

ARSENAL CLOSE ON THEIR FIRST JANUARY SIGNING

FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny is edging closer to a deal to become Arsenal’s first signing of the January transfer window, after his club confirmed they expected him to leave “in the coming days.”

Basel returned to training on Tuesday after the Christmas break and Elneny was not a part of the group working under coach Urs Fischer.

A statement on Basel’s website read: “Absent (from training) was Mohamed Elneny, for who there could be a transfer in the coming days.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hinted that he will be busy in this transfer window, with Elneny set to be the first of several signings designed to bolster their squad in a season when they are emerging as favourites to lift the Premier League title.

FALCAO OFF TO AMERICA?

Chelsea are eager for Radamel Falcao to find a new club this summer after his disastrous and expensive loan move from Monaco, with a report in the Daily Mirror suggesting MLS side Columbus Crew are eyeing up a bid for the Colombian.

A move to MLS at the age of 29 would confirm that Falcao’s days as a top level performer are over, but his stock has never been lower after a woeful spell at Manchester United last season has been backed up by an equally poor stint at Chelsea in the last few months.

Chelsea will be forced to continue to pay Falcao’s wages for the rest of this season unless he finalizes a move in this transfer window, with his parent club Monaco under no obligation to take him back under the teams of his year-long deal they agreed with the Premier League champions.

Zinedine Zidane: Gareth Bale appears less enthusiastic than his Real Madrid team-mates upon greeting new boss

Real Madrid have released footage of the moment new manager Zinedine Zidane greeted his players for the first time since his appointment - and some seem more enthusiastic than others.

The Frenchman replaced Rafael Benítez this week in a move which has reportedly unsettled Gareth Bale, the world’s most expensive player, who has been linked relentlessly with a move to Manchester United.

Zidane is captured strolling across the bench in the Madrid dressing room, notably passing an empty spot where Bale was supposed to be sat, before eventually finding the former Tottenham forward.

Unlike his team-mates, Bale doesn’t stand up immediately and instead shakes his new manager’s hand sat down before climbing to his feet and exchanging a joke with the Madrid boss.

Speaking on Tuesday, Zidane admitted: “I understand that Gareth could be annoyed by Rafa’s departure because he was a very important coach in his career.

“But he is going to receive the same affection from me. He is fundamental for the team and what he has been doing of late for us on the pitch is phenomenal. He will have all my support so that he continues to play well for us.”

Sevilla hosting Real will split loyalties of Konoplyanka and Cheryshev

Dmitri Cheryshev was coaching in Kazakhstan when the call came through. On the other end of the line was Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, commonly known as Monchi, Sevilla's acclaimed sporting director. He had a proposal. The club had made a big financial bet on bringing in Ukrainian international Yevhen Konoplyanka and he wanted Cheryshev to join their coaching staff to assist in the winger's adaptation to Spain and its football.

Cheryshev travelled to Seville for brief and successful negotiations. "We talked for two or three days before I gave my response," the former Dynamo Moscow and Sporting Gijon forward, and Real Madrid youth coach, told ABC Sevilla. "But as soon as I left the stadium I knew that it was an opportunity I could not afford to miss out on."

The former Russian international had made a similar move from Eastern Europe to Spain during his own playing career and was well aware of the hurdles awaiting his new charge. "Ukraine and Spain are completely different," he explained. "Not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room and in everyday life. Everything is different."

The arrival of Cheryshev was one of a number of steps Sevilla took to ensure that their star signing had the best possible chance of bridging those differences. They brought in Juan Candau, a fitness coach with a solid grasp of Russian following his two years at CSKA Moscow, and also signed promising Ukrainian forward Maryan Shved from Karpaty Lviv.

While Cheryshev and Candau helped Konoplyanka -- who spoke not a word of Spanish or English upon his arrival in Seville -- through the language barrier in training, Shved became his socialising partner and confidant.

Konoplyanka quickly showed his quality with the ball at his feet with a superb strike in the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Barcelona but struggled to come to terms with the defensive tasks assigned to him by coach Unai Emery. His playing time generally came as a substitute, with Emery perhaps feeling that it would be difficult to incorporate both Konoplyanka and Jose Antonio Reyes into his starting XI without sacrificing his side's defensive solidity.

But boosted by some promising performances off the bench, Konoplyanka has started ahead of Reyes in each of Sevilla's past four matches. His numbers (two goals and an assist in that span) tell the story of a player who is starting to find his feet in new surroundings.

The 26-year-old has notched four goals and one assist in 12 appearances (five starts) in league and Champions League action to date. That works out to a direct contribution to 0.61 goals per 90 minutes. At this stage, he already is good for a goal or assist every two games; a very solid output in a team that has struggled for results during the early part of the campaign.

Yet there is still a feeling that there is more to come. There were certainly signs of a burgeoning partnership with left-back Benoit Tremoulinas in the defeat away to Manchester City last month. The pair had more touches of the ball in the attacking half than any of their teammates and combined directly on more occasions than any other pair of players. It was Konoplyanka who swept in the opening goal of the match from the centre of the area.

"I am adapting, slowly, slowly," he explained, with Cheryshev as his translator, on returning to Seville after being named UEFA's man of the match. "Things will be much better when I can understand perfectly what my teammates are saying to me in Spanish, but I am already in a position to compete. There is a lot of competition in the squad, but I'm ready."

Denis Cheryshev, right, has found minutes at Real Madrid hard to come by this season.

Real Madrid are the next visitors to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan this Sunday, and among their midst will be a member of the Cheryshev family who hasn't enjoyed anywhere near as successful a start to his season's work. Dmitri's son, Denis Cheryshev, returned to Madrid this summer following an excellent year out on loan at Villarreal but has so far been given less than a hour of playing time by new coach Rafael Benitez.

The 24-year-old had a brief stay of his own in Seville back in the 2013-14 season but endured a difficult year, ravaged by injuries that restricted him to just five appearances. His playing time looks likely to be similarly sparse this season given that not only are the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale ahead of him in the pecking order, but also Jese Rodriguez and Lucas Vazquez.

Cheryshev would dearly love to take part on Sunday with his father there to watch on at close quarters from the opposition bench. His chances of doing so have been boosted by the injury suffered by left-back Marcelo in midweek, as he remains an option for that position given Madrid's lack of naturally left-footed replacements for its regular occupant.

The best result for the family would of course be a draw in which Cheryshev and Konoplyanka both play and score. But whatever the outcome, afterwards there are certain to be words of support and encouragement exchanged between two generations of a family whose loyalties will be divided only for 90 minutes.

Real Madrid Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale Out? Eden Hazard, Memphis Depay In?

Even for a player who is no stranger to headlines, the spotlight has shone particularly brightly on Cristiano Ronaldo over the past week. As well as declaring that, “in my mind I’m always the best,” the Portuguese star came face-to-face with the club that are widely thought to be courting him ahead of a potential mammoth transfer next summer.

It is what happened during Paris Saint-Germain’s visit to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday that continues to be the subject of much speculation. Ronaldo was seen after the final whistle talking into the ear of PSG manager Laurent Blanc, and French publication Le Parisien now claims it knows what Ronaldo said.

"Your team plays very well,” the newspaper reports him as saying. “I would love to work with you.”

Le Parisien also suggests that signing Ronaldo is the priority for PSG next summer. Such a move makes sense because the club’s highest earner, and one of the world’s best-paid players, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, will be out of contract and is expected to depart at the end of the current season.

There is also some foundation supporting the idea that Ronaldo could move on. By the time this season finishes, the 30-year-old will be about to enter the final two years of his contract. It would realistically be the last time for Real Madrid to cash in on their prized asset.

However, on Friday, Ronaldo’s high-profile agent, Jorge Mendes, has claimed he believes his biggest client will be staying at the Bernabeu for some time to come.

“There is lots of speculation and a new story every day,” he said. “But if you ask me, I would say Cristiano will finish his career with Real Madrid and be there for many, many years.”

Still, Le Parisien suggests that a sale of Ronaldo would allow Real Madrid to pursue Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. The Belgian attacking midfielder has also been the subject of plenty of rumors in recent weeks, after a difficult start to the season for both him and his club. The Player of the Year in England last season, Hazard has yet to score this season, and on Wednesday, not for the first time of late, he found himself benched by manager Jose Mourinho. With Mourinho having also publicly criticized Hazard, it appears the 24-year-old may seek a future away from Stamford Bridge, if Mourinho survives Chelsea’s slump in form.

Stories elsewhere, though, claim that it is another winger who Real Madrid have their eye on as a potential replacement for Ronaldo. Spanish publication Don Balon reports that Madrid are keen on Manchester United’s Memphis Depay, and are willing to pay €65 million to take him from Old Trafford.

Memphis only joined the Premier League club from PSV Eindhoven this summer, but he has found the transition to English soccer difficult and has been out of favor with manager Louis van Gaal of late. That might mean that United wouldn’t be too reluctant to cash in on the Netherlands international, yet it would also make it a surprise were Real Madrid prepared to hand over significantly larger check than United paid for him just a few months ago.

But any deal for Memphis could potentially be linked to Manchester United’s seemingly ongoing pursuit of Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale. United have been keen to bring Bale back to the Premier League almost ever since his record transfer to the Bernabeu in 2013. And, according to the Sunday People, they are planning on a £90 million (€126 million) move for the Wales international next summer.

Yet, despite Manchester United’s ongoing interest, there have yet to be any indications that Real Madrid and Bale are ready to part ways. Indeed, it is widely believed that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez urged new manager Rafael Benitez to make Bale a more focal part of the team this season, which he has done by putting the 26-year-old in a central position.

Gareth Bale made a decision early in his career that has cost him millions of pounds to date

WHEN Gareth Bale was a teenager, all he wanted to be was a professional football player. While he’s anything but poor, he made a decision all those years ago that has cost him millions of pounds.

Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett said his star client’s call to pledge his allegiance to Wales instead of England has seen him lose the opportunity to add a hefty amount to his bank balance.

The Real Madrid star was eligible to represent England through his grandmother, even though he was born in Cardiff to Welsh parents.

Speaking at the Soccerex Convention in Manchester, Barnett revealed just how hostile a reaction he received when he floated the idea of the young gun one day wearing the Three Lions crest.

“When we first got together when he was 15, we talked about whether he was going to play for England or Wales. I nearly got my head bitten off by his dad, who is fanatically Welsh, and his mum,” said Barnett.

“He could have qualified through his grandmother and I tell you that it has cost him millions and millions of pounds. You can imagine what it would have been like if he were playing for England next summer in the Euros...but he does love playing for Wales.”

Bale has been busy trying to earn the love of Real Madrid supporters. Source: AP

Bale recently scored the winning goal for Wales in their clash against Cyprus as they look to qualify for the European Championships for the first time in their history.

They need just one point from their next two group matches to secure a place at the 2016 tournament.

On Bale’s attitude towards playing for his homeland, Barnett said: “It’s an obsession”.

“He loves playing for Wales more than anything in the world.”

Along with Ryan Giggs, Bale is one of Wales’ greatest footballing products and he has forged a successful career in Europe.

He began his journey at Southampton before cementing himself as one of the most valuable players in the English Premier League during his time at Tottenham.

His irresistible form was rewarded when Spanish giants Real Madrid signed the winger in 2013, where he impressed in his debut season despite a stuttering start due to injury, eventually helping the side win the Champions League.

His second season was less profitable, but his agent is adamant that being given a different role by new coach Rafael Benitez has the 26-year-old primed for a special campaign.

“Last season he didn’t get the ball that much and when he did it was slow. By the time he received it, there were already three men on him,” said Barnett.

“Now, he is not playing wide right, he is playing more centrally and that is going to suit him more and give him the sort of freedom he has with Wales. He enjoys that role because he was getting a little frustrated.”

The dynamic midfielder has netted 18 goals in 51 appearances for the national side since debuting in 2006.

Gareth Bale feels 'more involved' this season at Real Madrid under Rafael Benitez

Gareth Bale played his part in Real Madrid's 6-0 demolition of Espanyol and admitted that he returns to his club after international duty these days feeling on top of the world.

After setting up two of Cristiano Ronaldo's five goals and winning a penalty that the Portuguese scored he also said that he now feels more involved under Rafa Benitez than he did last season under Carlo Ancelotti.

On the effect of returning to his club after such stunning international results, Bale said: 'We have worked so hard with Wales over the last six to eight years and that shows in our ranking. Over the last four years we have gone from 117th to tenth. We have got a style of play and a plan in place and we are keeping to that out on the pitch.'

Welsh attacker Gareth Bale played a big role in Real Madrid's 6-0 away demolition of Espanyol 

Bale now feels more involved under Rafa Benitez (right) than he did last season under Carlo Ancelotti

Some players come back complaining of fatigue after international exploits but there was no such luck for Espanyol as Real Madrid's forward line showed the kind of form it displayed the season before last when they finished up with 99 goals.

Bale crossed from the left for Ronaldo to score in the first half and then from the right for him to do the same in the second period. He was also brought down by Alvaro Gonzalez to win the spot kick that Ronaldo scored from.

On the return to the kind of form shown in his first season he admitted to feeling more involved under coach Rafa Benitez than he did in his second season under Carlo Ancelotti.

He said: 'I feel like I am more involved this year now. The first year you are running off adrenalin from having just signed – you are so happy to be at the club and that drives you on.

'But in the second year I felt a little bit left out wide and not getting so much of the ball. Now I feel involved in the play and I think that is showing in the games that I am able to assist goals and score goals. We are all working hard on the training ground and on the pitch and it's coming together. We just want to score as many goals as we can.'

Bale scored twice agaist Betis in Real Madrid's last game before the international break, and after a goalless draw in their first game they have now won their last two matches with a 11-0 goal average.

Bale set up two of Cristiano Ronaldo's five goals and won a penalty that the Portuguese scored

He said: 'The most important thing was to keep winning. We knew there was going to be a big game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid this weekend and that somebody was bound to drop points so we had to take advantage of that.

'It was a bit strange with the transfer window shutting so late but we have been focused since day one. It was not the greatest result from the first game but we have come back very strong with a 5-0 and a 6-0. We are feeling confident and looking strong.'

Thanks in part to Bale's contribution Ronaldo scored five in the win and went past both Alfredo Di Stefano and Raul as Real Madrid's all-time top scorer in the league. 

Bale (second right) jumps for the ball at the Cornella-El Prat stadium in the Province of Barcelona

Raul had needed 550 games to reach his 228 goals; Ronaldo has now scored 230 goals in just 204 matches.

Of his team-mate's achievement Bale said: 'To break any record held by such great names is, I'm sure, a great honour for him.'

Real have no World Club Cup distraction this season but when asked if he felt Barcelona going to Japan this December to contest that trophy would help Madrid, Bale said: 'We need to concentrate on ourselves and on every single game. Every point matters in this league. If we concentrate on ourselves then hopefully we can take care of business.' 

Bale was brought down by Alvaro Gonzalez to win the spot kick that Ronaldo scored from.

Bernabéu Trophy beckoning Bale

It has been almost three months since Real Madrid last trotted out at the Bernabéu. On that occasion, 23rd May,Gareth Bale watched on from the bench for the full 90 minutes as his teammates closed out the club's league campaign against Getafe. 

This Tuesday, 18th August, the Welshman will return to the 'Los Blancos' bastion to make his debut in the Santiago Bernabéu Trophy. The ideal springboard for Bale to set about proving his worth again and silencing the doubters that have emerged over the course of his first two years at the club. 

In 2013, Bale's signing came a few days too late for the legendary summer dress rehearsal, when the game was billed as a Raúl González testimonial. Meanwhile, last year the club's pre-season schedule was so packed that they couldn't find space for the tournament, meaning it wasn't staged for the first time in 36 years.

Bale is raring to pull on his boots again and to show that he has what it takes to be the team's fulcrum in attack. He is still getting used to Rafa Benítez's new system, in which he enjoys more freedom to roam, get involved in the build-up and drift into the box - the idea being to play to his strengths and enable him to be more prolific. For that to happen, however, the number 11 knows he needs to forge a better connection with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. He believes he is up to the task.