Sky Sports pundit Tony Cottee believes Chelsea may have a difficult task of keeping hold of Eden Hazard beyond the summer transfer window. The Belgium international has been the Blues’ standout performer over the past few seasons and this has brought about speculated interest from a number of elite European clubs.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Cottee said that Hazard could be tempted to pursue a bigger challenge in the summer after having entered the peak of his playing career, he said: “You’re quite right about his age. I think when you get to the age of 27, it’s different. When you get to 30 you’re looking for one last payday. He’s still in the prime of his career, he could sign a four, five-year deal.He’s good enough to go and play for Real Madrid, Barcelona, anyone in the world he can go and play for. So I think it will be the player’s decision. I know he’s on a contract but that doesn’t really mean anything.”

Hazard has just over two years left on his existing deal with the Blues and talks over an extension have seemingly reached a standstill ahead of the summer World Cup. Nevertheless, the former Lille man has previously assured that he remains committed to the west London giants and he has no plans to leaving the club anytime soon despite the repeated links with Real Madrid.

The Belgian was in a purple patch during the first half of the Premier League season but he has not been able to replicate a similar showing in the second where he has featured in the false number nine role without much success. Hazard’s compatriot Thibaut Courtois has also been linked with a move to Los Blancos with his contract expiring next summer but the goalkeeper is likewise content with life at Stamford Bridge.