Liverpool offer £20m for Belgium starlet

Liverpool have made a formal approach for £20million-rated Lille star Eden Hazard, the Daily Mirror has reported.

The daily newspaper claims Liverpool bosses have asked the French club to keep them up-to-date with developments concerning the future of the 20-year-old.

The versatile forward admitted last week he wants a move to a bigger club which is sure to spark a bidding war between Europe's elite.

"I want to play at a big club," Hazard admitted. "I have no preference. A major championship, I feel like it. But for now, I am with Lille."

The Reds are by no means the only club interested in Hazard, with the highly-rated forward attracting the interest of Europe's biggest names including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.

Despite not being able to offer immediate Champions League football, Liverpool feel they may have an edge considering their record of offering first team opportunities to young players.

Manager Kenny Dalglish will fast-track Hazard into the first team and the Scot believes that factor could prove crucial when trying to persuade the Belgium international to join Anfield.

Hazard's desire to play first-team football was highlighted by the player himself when questioned about his future last December, a revelation that will delight Dalglish.

"If I do leave at the end of the season, I don't want to go somewhere I will be on the bench," he admitted.

"I am young and it will be difficult to break through in a team like Real [Madrid], where Ronaldo and Kaka are my competitors."

Lille are holding out for a fee of around £20million for the in-demand starlet but that price is not thought to put off Liverpool as the player ideally suits their transfer policy.

The Reds new owners are focussing their attentions on the acquisition of young, promising footballers the club can nurture into top-class players and Hazard certainly fits that profile.

Source: Sports Vibe

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