110-goal target would be ‘riskier signing than Coutinho’

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery would be taking a ‘massive risk’ if he opts to lure Real Madrid star Eden Hazard to Villa Park, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Having been appointed as the Midlands giants’ new head coach last month, Emery will be handed the opportunity to strengthen the squad he inherited during the January window.

What’s the latest news involving Hazard?

According to Spanish sources, Villa have become the latest club to register their interest in Hazard and Emery has already given the green light to head to the negotiating table.

The report suggests the 122-cap Belgium international is destined to leave Real Madrid in the not-too-distant future and his current employers are hoping to recoup a significant fee for his services.

It is understood that Chelsea have previously looked into sealing Hazard’s return to Stamford Bridge but were unwilling to pay more than £34million.

The winger is set to enter the final 18 months of his £384,000-per-week contract at the turn of the year, meaning the January transfer window will be an ideal opportunity for the La Liga giants to cash-in.

Hazard is expected to head to the World Cup later this month, where Belgium will come up against Canada, Morocco and Croatia in Group F.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Dean Jones said about Hazard?

Jones believes there is a threat that a move for Hazard could backfire and, with Philippe Coutinho’s permanent arrival not paying off, Villa may be better off turning their attentions elsewhere.

However, the journalist is keen to see whether the 31-year-old would like to head back to the Premier League.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Hazard seems a massive risk to me. This is a team that already have Coutinho to manage and, so far, it has not gone well.

“In terms of form and fitness, Hazard is perhaps even more of a risk at this stage. I would be intrigued to see if he was interested in coming back though. Does he still have a drive to play in England again?”

Would Hazard be a good signing for Villa?

Considering Hazard joined Real Madrid in a deal which could exceed £150million, he would certainly be a statement signing from Villa’s point of view.

He has also enjoyed great success in English football, having scored 110 goals and registered a further 92 assists during his Chelsea career.

But injuries have blighted his time at the Bernabeu, with him missing more than 70 matches, and that ought to be of huge concern.

Although there is no doubt that Hazard would bring a winning mentality to Villa Park, having clinched the domestic titles in England, Spain and France, as well as the Champions League, Emery should move onto alternative targets.

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