MANCHESTER UNITED will be forced to match wages of £155,000 a week if they are to keep Eden Hazard from the clutches of rivals Manchester City.
New Premier League kings City have offered the 21-year-old Belgian star a staggering £8million-a-year deal and it's believed Chelsea, currently without a permanent manager, are prepared to dangle a similar package as they contemplate life after Didier Drogba.
All three clubs have agreed to meet Lille's £32m asking price but City have thrown down the gauntlet by offering the young star an astronomical salary that could net him £40m over four years once bonuses are included.
It's an illustration of the size of the task title rivals face in hoping to keep tabs on new champs City.
Scouts from City, United and Chelsea will be at Wembley on Saturday to watch Hazard play for Belgium against England.
Switch Hazard wants the playmaker's role but City already have David Silva, Samir Nasri and Yaya Toure in that position and that could swing the advantage United's way.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been assured there is money available to boost midfield - especially with Darren Fletcher's future still in the balance.
If Fergie misses out on Hazard, he may switch his attention to Borussia Dortmund's Japanese star Shinji Kagawa, French youngster Yann M'Vila at Rennes, and AC Milan's former Tottenham star Kevin Prince Boateng.
Chelsea will look to Shakhtar Donetsk winger Willian if they miss out on Hazard.
The Blues have been on the Brazilian's trail for months and are expected to make an £18m bid.