Arsenal and Chelsea are monitoring the progress of Real Madrid playmaker Kaka, according to reports in Spain.
Kaka has started only six times for Real in La Liga this season, and has frequently been linked with a January move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
El Confidencial claims that both Arsenal and Chelsea are considering making a move for the 29-year-old next month, and Real are prepared to sell €35 million.
Arsenal allegedly attempted to sign Kaka during the summer transfer window, with Arsene Wenger said to have tried to secure a loan deal.
However, the move never came to fruition and, it would appear, the Gunners may now reignite their interest in the Brazilian midfielder in the New Year.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been linked with Kaka for some time, even prior to his move to Madrid from AC Milan in the summer of 2009.
Andre Villas-Boas is still reported to be keen to bring another creative midfielder to Stamford Bridge having missed out on Luka Modric, but whether or not this leads the Chelsea boss to Kaka remains to be seen.
Arsène Wenger says Arsenal's financial situation puts them in a strong position to buy should he wish to add to his squad in January.
The transfer window opens at the end of this month, shortly before Gervinho and Chamakh head off on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking at a supporters Q&A at Emirates Stadium last week, Wenger admitted that the fitness levels of his squad would influence his movements in the transfer market. But if he does decide to recruit, he has the funds to do so.
"We lose players like Chamakh and Gervinho to the Africa Cup of Nations, so hopefully touch wood we do not get any injuries to our strikers," he said. "But if an opportunity turns up in that department then we will buy.
"The situation, I must say, is a bit special. Economically the whole environment has changed and people suffer more. The clubs will suffer more financially and it's much more difficult.
"Maybe we will have some opportunities because we are in a good financial situation."
Although there have been several speculations about Arsenal’s in-form Dutch skipper Robin van Persie’s future and the interest he has attracted from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Barcelona, a new report from a top journalist has suggested that the striker is all set to extend his contract that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium.
The news was revealed on Sunday morning on the Sunday Supplement, which is a TV show on Sky Sports. During the show, Paul Smith, a journalist with The Sunday Mirror, stated quite firmly that the Dutchman will sign a new contract with Arsenal.
Although The Mirror, on Saturday, did run an article that linked van Persie with Real Madrid, Paul Smith, speaking live on Sunday morning, was far more up to date as the group of journalists, also invited to the show, are respected all over England and will probably not to take part in any kind of gossip apart from the real news.
More reports about the current van Persie situation at Arsenal are yet to surface, according to a Footylatest.com report.
Robinho could make shock return to Prem with Chelsea(Sunday People)
Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas has been alerted over the former Manchester City star who could leave AC Milan if the Italians clinch a deal for City outcast Carlos Tevez.
... Milan would exceed their quota of foreign players if they signed Tevez.
Top clubs across Europe have been advised that Robinho or fellow Brazilian Alexandre Pato, 22 – another Chelsea target – could be off-loaded to make room for the Argentinian star.
Villas-Boas has already decided to let Nicolas Anelka leave Stamford Bridge in January after accepting the Frenchman’s transfer request and that would leave him a striker down for the second half of the season.
Chelsea, under former boss Phil Scolari, tried and failed to land samba star Robinho, 27, on deadline day in September 2008, with the Brazilian moving to City instead in a British record £32.5million deal.
Robinho struggled to make the impact City had hoped, particularly in away games, and he eventually moved on loan to Santos in Brazil before joining Milan in a £15m deal in August last year.
The striker has been a success for Milan, scoring 16 times in 42 games, but Chelsea also like Pato. The youngster has a terrific strike rate in Italy, scoring 60 goals in 134 appearances. Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is also a fan.
But the arrival of Tevez in Milan is key to any Chelsea deal and the Italians are ready to press City for a quick conclusion to their negotiations to land the rebel striker.
Milan coach Allegri Massimiliano would ideally like Tevez to join his squad for their warm-weather training camp in Dubai at the end of December if a deal can be struck with City boss Roberto Mancini.
City are not keen on a loan move even if it included a clause to make the deal permanent in the summer. Juventus are reportedly also showing interest, with a fee of around £20m on offer to tempt City.
But Tevez prefers Milan and it is believed he is not interested in a move to wealthy Paris St Germain.
Tevez is still at his bolt-hole in Argentina and is unlikely to return to City. Mancini does not want him back training in isolation or with the club’s elite development squad and will make every effort to complete a deal in January.
Tottenham Hotpurs BOSS,Harry Redknapp has already warned the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United that they will be wasting their time,bidding for Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric in the JANUARY transfer window.
Spurs were lucky enough to hold onto Modric,in the SUMMER transfer window after recieving continous BIDS by Chelsea,and the highest bid being around £40 million.
Though,Modric was keen in leaving Tottenham and pleaded for a move to Stamford Bridge,he remained at White Hart Lane and has gone on to play a very important role in helping Spurs to go on a 11 match unbeaten run,which has helped them to be in the 3rd spot of the PL table.
After losing on to the Playmaker,it is reported that Chelsea will renew their interest on the 26 year-old once the January transfer window re-opens.And even,Manchester United are keen on signing Modric as his creativity will give them the extra edge that they are currently lacking in the midfield.
Harry Redknapp made it look clear,that Modric is gonna stay at White Hart Lane. 'We won't be selling our best players or anyone we want to keep in January,' Redknapp said.
'We are keeping our best players and if anything we will be adding to the squad not selling.
'That's the message from me and the chairman (Daniel Levy). We won't be weakening this squad.
'If one or two positions open up where fringe players want to go then we will look at that but we are not going to sell our best players or anyone we want to keep.'
But,Redknapp didn't rule out a possible bid for Cahill,Alex and Anelka.
'I've always been a big fan of Gary Cahill. I have tried to sign him a few times. He is a good signing for somebody if he leaves. 'Alex is good player but he is not a player who we have made enquiries for,' Redknapp said.
'Anelka is a good player as well. All three are good players. I wouldn't sit here and say I wouldn't be interested in any of them. It depends on what happens here.'
BUT,It looks like Anelka is going off to China in the January Transfer Window to play for Chinese Club Shanghai Shenhua.He is expected to confirm a 2-year deal with the Club. The Chelsea striker is understood to have agreed a deal worth a whopping £175,000 a week and the transfer fee is rumoured to be around £20 Million.
There is a reason why Tony Adams earned the mantle Mr Arsenal and it is very evident that coaching several thousand miles away from N5 will never dilute his timeless relationship with the club.
The club’s most successful captain, honoured today with his own statue outside The Emirates, may not be a day-to-day presence in and around the dressing-room, but that doesn’t mean he’s not still working his inspirational magic.
While fans have called on the old guard to be more involved in Arsene Wenger’s coaching set-up Adams has made clear he’s not as far removed from events at London Colney as people might have thought.
Speaking in The Telegraph to former teammate Alan Smith, the club’s legendary number 6 revealed he is in regular contact with current captain Robin van Persie and has passed on a few ideas on how to bolster his position as the team’s leader.
“I’ve been texting RVP,” said Adams. “I think he’s a nice guy and was always captaincy material but, before, he just didn’t have enough support. It was much easier for me in my time. I had six or seven lieutenants around me, people who could also take charge.
“So that was something I said to him – get some players around you to back you up. You can’t do it alone. And to be fair, I think Per [Mertesacker] has been a big help. He’s been a good ally in the dressing room from what I hear. Before, there was conflict but now there seems to be a lot more togetherness.”
Adams isn’t the only statue-honoured legend to praise the free-scoring Dutchman. Training alongside Robin during the week and watching him bang the goals in at the weekend, Thierry Henry also spoke warmly about his former teammate and successor.
“What can I say about Robin?,” said Henry to the Arsenal's Official Website “I saw him come in here and at the very beginning he wasn't the easiest guy to deal with, like I wasn’t I guess.
“But it’s amazing to see how he has improved. That tells you how intelligent a player he is.
“I’m just in admiration. What he is doing right now, thank God he is playing for us and doing well. It’s nice to see a player improve.
“I’m just saying that what Van Persie is doing now, in terms of not just goals but ratio of goals, apart from [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi it is ridiculous.
Idolised by the fans and with the club’s greatest captain, manager and goal scorer directing praise in his direction, there can be no doubt in the Dutchman’s mind that he is loved by everyone associated with The Arsenal. Surely that’s worth something when it comes to negotiating a new contract. Arseblog News dearly hopes so.
Robin van Persie’s spectacular second half volley was enough to beat a stubborn Everton side as Arsenal secured three vital points on their 125th anniversary.
The Dutchman’s effort lifts Arsene Wenger’s side into the Champions League position for the first time this season and sets the Gunners up nicely ahead of a tough away fixture with Manchester City.
As expected Thomas Vermaelen was handed the responsibility of covering for Andre Santos and Kieran Gibbs in the left-back position, Laurent Koscielny partnering Per Mertesacker in the centre of defence and Johan Djourou starting on the right. The midfield and attacking unit was the same that beat Wigan 4-0 last week.
After an emotional tribute to legends of days gone by, the first half was a pretty forgettable affair; the sight of messrs McLintock, George, Wilson, Limpar, Pires, Henry failing to inspire the class of 2011.
Time after time Arsenal attempted to penetrate Everton’s high line with through balls, but despite wriggling free of his markers Theo Walcott too often found himself offside. On the one occasion the England winger did time his run he opted to pass to Gervinho who squandered the opportunity.
The Ivorian nearly made amends minutes later but despite hitting hard low angled drive, Tim Howard got down well to save. Aaron Ramsey further frustrated the home crowd by clipping the cross bar having wriggled free in the box.
Everton hadn’t mustered a shot on target by half time with Wenger’s four centre backs looking calm and composed on the ball. Louis Saha looked relatively disinterested up front for the Toffees while Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini produced below par performances.
You hoped the Gunners might up the tempo in the second half, but aside from a couple of tasty dribbles by Walcott it looked increasingly likely that Everton would follow Fulham’s lead in holding out for a clean sheet. That the away side opted to replace Saha for defender Distin just after the hour mark pretty much summed up the extent of their ambition.
In games like this you sometimes need something special to make the difference. Van Persie’s left foot was that difference today. After a 69 relatively low profile minutes the striker came alive. Picked out by a beautiful lofted diagonal ball by Alex Song, the club captain followed the line of the ball before perfectly arrowing a low volley in off the post. It was an extraordinary goal and arguably one of the best the Emirates has witnessed. Even Thierry enjoyed it – the Frenchman standing to his feet with the net still rippling.
Very little happened in the last twenty minutes. Van Persie nearly doubled the lead with a header from a corner before Everton sub McAleny flashed a cracking effort just wide of Szczesny’s goal in the dying moments.
Relief washed over those supporters who braved a bitterly cold afternoon to see the game through to the final whistle. It wasn’t a memorable match, but it was a memorable goal on a day all about remembering the past.
As former manager George Allison once said: “It’s one-nil to The Arsenal. That’s the way we like it.”
HELL YEA,THE EL CLASICO'S HERE!AND,IT PROMISES TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN BEFORE......
The biggest date in the Spanish football calendar has almost arrived. Real Madrid and Barcelona lock horns in La Liga's first el Clasico of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu next Saturday. And both teams were at their brilliant best a week ahead of the famous fixture.
Madrid were in action at Sporting Gijon in what appeared a tough away outing, especially because Jose Mourinho was without midfielder Xabi Alonso. The former Liverpool man was suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Atletico Madrid a week earlier and Real have struggled in the past without the Basque in their side, losing three of the eight games in which he had been missing under Mourinho.
But there was no setback this time. Madrid knew that defeat in Gijon could see them lose their lead at the top ahead of the Clasico - albeit with a game in hand - and they reacted in style. Angel Di Maria continued his fine form with a goal and another assist, while Cristiano Ronaldo netted for the first time against Sporting and Marcelo added a fine effort late on.
It was a 14th straight win for Madrid in all competitions and they are now closing in on Barca's record of 16 from earlier in 2011. To achieve it, though, they will have to beat the Catalans next weekend and such a success, more importantly, would leave Mourinho's men six points clear of their fierce rivals - and with a game in hand. Even at this early stage, it would be all but over.
And Barca aren't ready to throw in the towel just yet, either. The 5-0 win over Sporting on Saturday night made it 39 goals without reply for the Catalans at Camp Nou in La Liga this season. And just two points dropped at home all season.
Cesc Fabregas scored twice, while Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Isaac Cuenca were also on target as Guardiola's side cruised comfortably to a victory which could have been far greater and sets the champions up perfectly for next weekend's Clasico.
THIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED CLASH BETWEEN THE TWO GIANTS,ARE ALREADY BEING CONSIDERED THE TITLE DECIDER.....
AND,EVEN Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi believes this weekend's El Clasico at Real Madrid could define the European champions' season.
"It's vital we get a good result," said the forward. "It would set us up for the rest of the season."
AND,If it's Barcelona vs Real Madrid,then how can we forget the other RIVALRY?
RONALDO AND MESSI
Predictable; but how could we ignore the two star attractions, especially when their roles have been subtly reversed this season. They're level in terms of goals scored this campaign (17 each), but their relationship with their team's dynamic has shifted.
Ronaldo used to try and win every game on his own, and when Madrid were playing badly, Ronaldo played well and often made the difference. Now, it's less about Ronaldo and more about the team; yet instead of marginalising the Portuguese winger, he's flourishing as a team player and contributing more all round.
In contrast, Barcelona are overly-reliant upon Messi; and it's affecting their overall play as they try to get the ball to him as often as possible. It's making the team more direct - as is the inclusion of Fabregas - and it's affecting the team's identity and even internal harmony (marginalising David Villa, for example). If they are reliant upon Messi at the Bernabeu, his solitary goal away from home this season is a worry.
THE MOST AWAITED MATCH,IS GONNA GET HOTTER THIS TIME ROUND,SO BE PREPARED FOR SOME SURPRISES......
Arsenal on Friday unveiled three statues outside Emirates to honor three club legends on their 125th anniversary!
The Statues of Thierry Henry along with Tony Adams and Herbert Chapman were unveiled by the club's chairman Peter Hill-Wood.
Thierry Henry, Arsenal Football Club's highest ever goalscorer with 226 goals in his Arsenal career. In his days at Arsenal, the French striker among other trophies won the Premier league twice also playing a major role in the "Invincible" season of 2003-04. Now at New York Red Bulls, Henry truly deserves to be embedded in the club's history forever.
Tony Adams spent his entire playing career of 22 years as a defender at Arsenal. He is considered one of the greatest Arsenal players of all time by the club's own fans and was included in the Football League 100 legends. With Arsenal, he won four top flight division titles, three FA Cups, two Football League Cups, a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and three FA Community Shields. A statue honoring Adams was unveiled at Emirates stadium.
Herbert Chapman was manager of Arsenal for nine years from 1925-34. In this time period he helped turn a relegation threatened side to a Championship winning side. After his death in 1934, the team made by him won 3 league titles in a row.
Whatever may happen in the future of The Gunners these three club legends will surely live in the hearts of Arsenal fans allover!
Arsene Wenger has revealed that the injury sustained by Andre Santos in Tuesday night’s Champions League game is more serious than first thought.
An initial diagnosis of 2-3 weeks has now been upgraded to ‘several’ as Wenger spoke to the press this afternoon.”The bad news we have is that we lost Santos for a while”, he said. “The ankle injury is more severe than expected. More than three weeks.
“He will see a specialist in the coming days.”
Many have questioned the wisdom of playing our only fit full back in a game which didn’t matter and it is, I suppose, a gamble which didn’t pay off in hindsight. However, hindsight is all powerful and if you could have hindsight before the fact you’d be a psychic in which case you’d be labelled a fraud and a charlatan. Because that’s what you’d be.
However, it is bad news for the Gunners and Wenger must now choose between Thomas Vermaelen and Ignasi Miquel for tomorrow’s game against Everton as Kieran Gibbs is still some way from fitness.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Robin van Persie's form can rival Barcelona's Lionel Messi, as well as Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Dutchman has scored an astounding 38 goals since the start of this year, and was on the scoresheet once more in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in their UEFA Champions League Group F clash.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the Arsenal manager was asked if he believed that Van Persie's form meant that he could be considered on the same level as both Messi and Ronaldo, who have both been in fine fettle in La Liga so far this season.
Without hesitation, the Frenchman replied: "If he keeps going on like that, of course.
"Let him play and see at the end of the season. He is the leader of the team as well so what is important is that he leads the team to success.
"I feel he's an exceptional player and happy that he can show that. He thinks day and night about his game."
The Dutchman himself was effusive about the assists he gets from the rest of the Gunners.
Speaking to his club's official website, Van Persie said: "Theo [Walcott] has given me more assists than anyone else this year".
"I've certainly noticed it and that's why I really liked the fact that he gave me the ball for my 100th goal - it was meant to be!
"Hopefully I can give him some proper assists as well, because as a striker I believe assists are just as important as the goals you score.
"Theo's assists aren't lucky - they're proper assists, down to good movements, good actions, good final balls. For me that's perhaps even more important than a goal.
"For example, I look back at my first goal against Chelsea and don't really feel that it's mine - it's 95 per cent down to Gervinho. And my first goal against Norwich was 90 per cent Theo's - a fantastic first touch, great pace, good cross and bang, I tap it in.
"OK, it goes in my name, but that's a tiny part of the story. I do appreciate that, and hopefully I can give him and all the other guys just as much back.
"Don't forget Aaron [Ramsey], he was a bit unlucky against Norwich as he should probably have been passed to on a couple of occasions when he'd shown great movement to get into good positions.
"I should definitely have given him one ball, looking at it again, and there were other times too. If he keeps going that, though, he'll score goals."
The striker has shown an ability to score with either foot, and said: "The goals are going in and I'm in the zone where things are going well - balls just bounce in front of me and things are coming off, so why not try it?," he said.
"Everything with my right leg started when I was six or seven years old and did some training with it.
"I worked loads on my left foot when I was even younger - of course I was lucky to have some talent, but it came to life through hard work on the streets and in training.
"A couple of years later I did the same with my right. I knew for a very long time that my right leg was good enough, but when you're a left-footed player and miss a chance or two with your right then maybe people think, ‘it's his bad leg'.
"Personally I never felt that - I always felt confident, and now that seems to be coming out a bit more.
"Maybe in the past I'd choose to turn back onto my left foot, but with fitness and form you get more chances to take the odd risk here and there", the Dutchman concluded.
Wenger admitted some surprise at how smooth Arsenal's qualification into the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League has been, compared to their Premier League rivals.
The Arsenal manager revealed: "I have to be very cautious what I say.
"I think 'yes' as Manchester United could have qualified last night and everyone expected Manchester City to qualify.
"It is difficult at that level. You never play an easy game in the Champions League.
"It was a difficult group," he continued.
"When we saw we were playing Udinese [in the qualifying round] we could not bet that we would go through as we did."
Arsenal have already sealed their qualification as group champions, and will play next against Olympiakos on Dec 6 in their final group game.
Andre Villas-Boas insists it is up to him to turn Chelsea's season around after his side crashed to a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
The resut leaves Chelsea in real danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase.
Winger Florent Malouda claimed on Tuesday night Villas-Boas was not to blame for the Blues' worst start to a campaign since Roman Abramovich bought the club, but the new manager insisted it is his responsibility to arrest their slide.
Failure to do so quickly will test billionaire owner Abramovich's patience, with Chelsea having always finished in the Premier League top four and reached the last 16 of the Champions League during the Russian's tenure.
Almost anything that can go wrong is going wrong for the Blues at present, with Wednesday night's Group E defeat to Bayer Leverkusen the latest calamity.
Chelsea were heading for victory until the 73rd minute but conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 2-1 at the BayArena.
That followed another late defeat to Liverpool, their third loss in four Premier League games.
Villas-Boas acknowledged confidence was low, adding: "But that's when they expect the manager to inspire them.
"That's my job. That's my task, to inspire these people and motivate these people to change our faith.
"The responsibility is mine and it's my task now to inspire and motivate them to take them to a win against Wolves and certainly after to a win against Liverpool in the Carling Cup.
"We have two games at home. We need to get the focus, concentration right, I have to inspire my players and motivate them, and we need our fans behind us in these critical moments."
The result saw Chelsea drop to second in Group E and with Valencia completely overhauling their superior goal difference by beating Genk 7-0, it means Villas-Boas' side must either beat the Spaniards or keep a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge in two weeks' time to go through.
"We will need Stamford Bridge completely behind us to get the intensity right and the emotions right for the game," Villas-Boas said.
"It's in our hands to qualify. It's a game at Stamford Bridge and we expect to do our job. That's our responsibility and we don't want to let the fans down."
You would not bank on Chelsea on current form, with their defence letting them down yet again on Wednesday night.
Villas-Boas insisted they had defended well but for two corner kicks, one which saw Michael Ballack hit the bar and the other which led to the winner.
"We left our back exposed," he said.
"So we need to focus and concentrate on these issues.
"We're all committed to this squad and to these players and we believe a lot in their talent and they believe in us, and we need to find a way out.
"When they go into a series of defeats like we going through now, we get into the details a lot, to try to get them right and we just have to continue to work and believe that the win is close."
Leverkusen's comeback ironically began minutes after the much-maligned David Luiz was withdrawn for Alex, with the home side soon responding by throwing on Eren Derdiyok, who scored moments later.
Villas-Boas said: "David was feeling very, very dizzy at half-time and sick.
"He decided to continue, to make the effort for the team, but could no longer continue."
Nicolas Anelka has denied he is set to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window.
The Times had published an article quoting Anelka as saying his time at Chelsea was drawing to a close and that he was free to leave when the transfer window opened.
But the French striker told Agence France-Presse on Wednesday that he had not spoken to The Times.
The article in Wednesday's publication of the paper claimed Anelka, who is nearing the end of his current contract, was preparing to leave Stamford Bridge after slipping down the pecking order this season under Andre Villas-Boas.
The Portuguese coach has favoured Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge in leaving Anelka on the sidelines. He has not scored since August and last appeared for Chelsea against Genk in the Champions League on November 1.
The forward has started just three Premier League games this season and was left out of the squad that travelled to Germany to face Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
However, Anelka told AFP: "Following the quotations attributed to me in an English newspaper, I'd like to categorically deny having given any interview, let alone spoken about my future.
"I'm under contract with Chelsea until the end of the season, with many playing commitments."
The Times had quoted the striker as saying: "Chelsea has been the best part of my career and it's been great playing and winning with terrific guys like Didier Drogba, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda.
"I was hoping to win another league title this season with Chelsea, but now, apparently it is not to be."
It has been reported that Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua have made an enquiry about the French man's availability and are prepared to offer him a large salary to convince him to move to the Chinese Super League.
He has also been linked with a move to mega-rich Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, who made Samuel Eto'o the highest paid player in the world when they signed him from Inter Milan in August.
AC Milan could be another destination for Anelka, or a move to the United States could be on the cards with New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy, Philadelphia Union and Montreal Impact all rumoured to be interested.
The Belgian midfielder is one of Europe's hottest properties, with Real Madrid and Inter also keen, but Michel Seydoux insists that any buyer must meet the hefty asking price
Panoramic
Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool will have to shell out €50 million (£43m) if they are to prise Eden Hazard away from Lille, the French club’s president has declared.
The 20-year-old Belgian midfielder has attracted attention from all over Europe, his excellent displays helping his team to the Ligue 1 title in 2010-11, and Michel Seydoux admits he will be sold if his valuation is met.
“The price is €50m and this is clear in advance,” the Lille president told the press.
“We are at a time when the club is having a real discussion about what to do but it will depend on many factors.
“First, our economic potential, and then it depends on the proposals we receive.
“Nobody is unsellable. We would be able to look for solutions in the market with the money we'd receive.”
The price tag could prevent some suitors from pursuing the Belgium international, although Liverpool may have an extra bargaining chip in that Lille are known to be keen on signing on-loan midfielder Joe Cole to a permanent deal.
Real Madrid and Inter are also believed to be among the clubs monitoring Hazard.
Uruguayan scored four goals for his country, but returns to Premier League action this weekend after being charged by the FA following racial abuse allegations
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes forward Luis Suarez can overcome recent racism allegations and continue his goal haul into the new year.
The Uruguayan is embroiled in a nationwide racism controversy after being charged officially by the FA on Wednesday over taunts levied against Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra during a meeting between the two clubs last month.
His boss, however, is confident the former Ajax star will continue his recent form despite distractions off the field. The manager's claims are certainly reinforced by a four-star performance from his striker on international duty during midweek.
"It's great for Luis to get four goals - I wish it was for us rather than his country," Dalglish said. "Maybe he's kept some up his sleeve for us in the coming weeks.
"He is a fantastic footballer and has been, as we have said, fantastic ever since he has come here and we are just fortunate to have him."
However, the Anfield boss refused to be drawn into the charges against the forward put forth by the FA. Liverpool indicated in a statement released Wednesday they were fully supportive of the player, something Dalglish had nothing further to add to.
"I think the statement says everything and our position has not changed. That is all we've got to say," Dalglish added.
Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday to face rivals Chelsea and former players Fernando Torres and Raul Meireles.
The pressure on Andres Villas-Boas increased as Chelsea slid from first to third in Champions League Group E after a 2-1 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
Starting the game two points clear, the Blues looked set to seal qualification for the knockout stages when Didier Drogba shrugged off a pair of defenders to give his side a 49th minute lead.
But the Germans stormed back with substitute Eren Derdiyok heading home a Sidney Sam cross to equalise in the 73rd minute and Manuel Friedrich also heading a dramatic injury-time winner from a corner.
The win sent Leverkusen to the top of the group - and ensured their qualification - while Valenciamoved level on points with Chelsea after crushing Belgian also-rans Genk 7-0 at the Mestalla.
Roberto Soldado was the Valencia star as he blasted a first-half hat-trick after Brazilian Jonas had given them a 10th-minute lead. Second-half goals from Pablo Hernandez, Aritz Aduriz and Tino Costa completed the rout.
However, Villas-Boas knows his side's destiny remains in his own hands as Chelsea prepare to welcome Valencia for their final Group E game.
The drama continued in Group F where Arsenal secured qualification as group winners with a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, while Olympiacos stole a shock 1-0 win over Marseille in France.
Robin van Persie took his tally for the season to 21 with a brilliant second-half double to deny the visitors, for whom Shinji Kagawa's injury-time strike was small consolation on a night that saw them slump to the bottom of the group.
Meanwhile Olympiacos gave themselves hope as Ioannis Fetfatzidis scored the only goal of the game in France. Their win leaves them one point off their second-placed opponents with a home game against the already-qualified Gunners to come.
Reigning champions Barcelona confirmed top spot in Group H with an exciting 3-2 victory over already-qualified AC Milan at the San Siro.
Mark van Bommel's early own goal was cancelled out by Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic before a Lionel Messi penalty put Barca up at the break. Kevin Prince Boateng equalised a second time before Xavi struck a 63rd-minute winner for the visitors.
In the other game in Group H, Viktoria Plzen claimed their first win of the group stages 1-0 overBATE Borisov in Minsk. Marek Bakos netted in the 42nd minute to put the Czech side in pole position to seal a Europa League slot.
APOEL Nicosia made history by becoming the first Cypriot side ever to get past the group stages with their gutsy goalless draw away to Zenit St Petersburg confirming their top-two place.
In a match which was held up due to smoke from flares set off by the home fans, APOEL staged a classic rearguard action to claim a point against a Zenit side unbeaten in their last 12 matches.
Porto's 2-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk lifted them to within a point of the Russians with a winner-takes-all tie in Portugal to come. A second-half opener from Hulk and an own goal from Razvan Rat gave Porto the points.
The pressure on Andres Villas-Boas increased as Chelsea slid from first to third in Champions League Group E after a 2-1 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
Starting the game two points clear, the Blues looked set to seal qualification for the knockout stages when Didier Drogba shrugged off a pair of defenders to give his side a 49th minute lead.
But the Germans stormed back with substitute Eren Derdiyok heading home a Sidney Sam cross to equalise in the 73rd minute and Manuel Friedrich also heading a dramatic injury-time winner from a corner.
The win sent Leverkusen to the top of the group - and ensured their qualification - while Valenciamoved level on points with Chelsea after crushing Belgian also-rans Genk 7-0 at the Mestalla.
Roberto Soldado was the Valencia star as he blasted a first-half hat-trick after Brazilian Jonas had given them a 10th-minute lead. Second-half goals from Pablo Hernandez, Aritz Aduriz and Tino Costa completed the rout.
However, Villas-Boas knows his side's destiny remains in his own hands as Chelsea prepare to welcome Valencia for their final Group E game.
The drama continued in Group F where Arsenal secured qualification as group winners with a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, while Olympiacos stole a shock 1-0 win over Marseille in France.
Robin van Persie took his tally for the season to 21 with a brilliant second-half double to deny the visitors, for whom Shinji Kagawa's injury-time strike was small consolation on a night that saw them slump to the bottom of the group.
Meanwhile Olympiacos gave themselves hope as Ioannis Fetfatzidis scored the only goal of the game in France. Their win leaves them one point off their second-placed opponents with a home game against the already-qualified Gunners to come.
Reigning champions Barcelona confirmed top spot in Group H with an exciting 3-2 victory over already-qualified AC Milan at the San Siro.
Mark van Bommel's early own goal was cancelled out by Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic before a Lionel Messi penalty put Barca up at the break. Kevin Prince Boateng equalised a second time before Xavi struck a 63rd-minute winner for the visitors.
In the other game in Group H, Viktoria Plzen claimed their first win of the group stages 1-0 overBATE Borisov in Minsk. Marek Bakos netted in the 42nd minute to put the Czech side in pole position to seal a Europa League slot.
APOEL Nicosia made history by becoming the first Cypriot side ever to get past the group stages with their gutsy goalless draw away to Zenit St Petersburg confirming their top-two place.
In a match which was held up due to smoke from flares set off by the home fans, APOEL staged a classic rearguard action to claim a point against a Zenit side unbeaten in their last 12 matches.
Porto's 2-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk lifted them to within a point of the Russians with a winner-takes-all tie in Portugal to come. A second-half opener from Hulk and an own goal from Razvan Rat gave Porto the points.
