Abramovich to ‘pull Hazard plug’ amid fury over Madrid chase

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly furious with Real Madrid over their pursuit of Antonio Rudiger and could pull the plug on a deal to bring Eden Hazard back out of spite.

Rudiger is out of contract in the summer and is no closer to signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

The Germany international will be able to move for free at the end of the season and is said to have entered initial talks with Madrid over a move to La Liga.

Rudiger’s brother and agent Sahr Senesie has spoken to the Madrid hierarchy, with the parties said to have come to an informal agreement over terms.

According to El Nacional (via the Daily Mail), Abramovich is ‘fuming with Madrid’ and is ‘ready to pull the plug’ on Hazard’s prospective return to Stamford Bridge as a result.

Hazard has failed to reach anywhere near the levels he achieved with the Blues following his £130million move to Madrid.

After two and half seasons with the Spanish giants he had made just 40 league appearances, with injuries hampering him significantly.

Despite his struggles, rumour has it Abramovich was keen on bringing Hazard back to the Premier League, but won’t do now with his toys thrown from the pram.

The Blues owner is also thought to be unhappy with Rudiger himself, as the defender uses the club to negotiate better deals elsewhere.

Thomas Tuchel is still optimistic over his centre-back remaining with the club and urged patience.

Tuchel said: "It is super important and as I understood myself and everybody else, we absolutely accept the importance, we’re fully aware of the importance of Toni and the role that he’s playing on and off the pitch."

"There is no doubt in that and yes, it’s true, nobody is bigger than the club, nobody."

"This is a team effort, and it is a team game, and it is a strong club, and it is about the club."

"It is also not about me and it is not only about Toni."

"And I mean that in the best way, because we know what he’s doing and we’re fully aware of it."

"So both answers are right and in the end we need a bit of patience. I have no update right now."