Just posted on the Telegraph site:
It is understood that they made a breakthrough in negotiations on Friday that could lead to Chelsea signing the highly-rated Belgian forward in a 35 million euro (£28.3 million) deal from Lille.
Both Manchester City and Manchester United are interested in signing the player but have been put off by the exorbitant demands being made by Hazard’s representatives.
Well-placed sources have revealed that he is asking for wages of £4.6million net, which means an annual outlay of about £9 million for a club. That is a weekly salary of roughly £170,000.
While Hazard is one of the most talented young players in Europe, both City and United are unwilling to pay such a huge salary for a 21 year-old who has only played in the French league.
While City could afford it, they no longer feel they are in the position of needing to offer disproportionately large contracts to persuade players to sign.
There are also issues surrounding the commission being demand by agents involved in the deal. One source said that it could be as much as £6 million, another factor that would put off City and United.
With the player’s unpredictable public statements, both camps are wary about being played off against each other.
Chelsea, however, are prepared to meet some of Hazard’s demands. They are keen to sign an attacking playmaker, having missed out on Luka Modric last summer, and signing a player like Hazard would be a statement of intent ahead of next season.
Despite this season’s European success, Chelsea are committed to rebuilding the team, bringing in younger, more technically expansive players.
While Hazard would be expensive, it would represent a coup for the West London club, as almost every major European side would want him in their squad.