“After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different. Certainly after this World Cup.

“I can decide if I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will make the final decision – if they want me to go. You know my preferred destination.”

These were the words of Eden Hazard who, towards the end of the World Cup, effectively admitted that he wanted to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid.

The Belgian winger, who was one of the stars in Russia, was strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu after Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus was confirmed.

Madrid president Florentino Perez was reportedly in the market for another Galactico - and Hazard ticked all the boxes.

However, with just over a week to go before the transfer window closes in England, the 27-year-old remains a Chelsea player.

And as things stand, that doesn’t look set to change ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

What Real Madrid officials really think about Hazard

This is because of how much money Chelsea are demanding for the world-class Belgium international: an eye-watering €200 million.

Real Madrid, whose record buy remains Gareth Bale back in the summer of 2013, are not prepared to fork out so much money for one player.

In fact - and this might come as a surprise to many - Madrid officials do not even believe that Hazard is worth half that amount.

This is according to Spanish newspaper Marca, who understand those inside the Bernabeu offices feel that only one player in world football is currently worth over €100 million - and that’s Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar.

They would prefer to sign Neymar

Perez would desperately love to sign the Brazilian, who left Barcelona last summer, but the chances of a potential transfer happening this summer are non-existent.

Next summer, however, could be a different story - and if Madrid don’t sign a big-name player this summer, it wouldn’t be a shock if they finally make their move for Neymar in 12 months time.

In the meantime, Julen Lopetegui will use Marco Asensio as Madrid’s replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The feeling at the Bernabeu is that pushing the 22-year-old to Ronaldo’s left-wing position will turn him ‘from a great player into a bona fide world-class superstar’.

As for Hazard, well, it looks like another season at Chelsea awaits.