Metro reporting that SAF went to see Hazard by himself, and it even has quotes by Meulensteen. It does look like we're interested in signing him and usually SAF does his business early so who knows.
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/895998-eden-hazard-named-man-uniteds-top-transfer-target-after-fergie-scout-trip#ixzz1rqeF7J82
The Belgian international playmaker is also said to be a target for Manchester City, Arsenal and Spurs.
Ferguson hoped to steal a march on his rivals by travelling in secret, and by himself, to run the rule over Hazard, 21, in order to make it clear the youngster is a top target for the summer.
And Meulensteen admitted the trip, which was reported by Metro last month, was because the United supremo considers Hazard to be 'an interesting player'.
'The manager wanted to see [Eden] Hazard by himself. That's a sign he thinks it's an interesting player. We talked a lot about him,' Meulensteen
'For a club it's important that you keep refreshing your squad.'
Hazard's predicted move to one of England's top clubs never came to fruition during the January transfer window - but looks ever more likely during the upcoming close season.
And Meulensteen suggested Ferguson's personal trip across the Channel was the culmination of lots of hard work behind the scenes from United's coaching and scouting team.
'Hazard is a special talent, but it always takes a while,' he told Voetbal International.
'As example - we followed David de Gea for a long time before we got him.
'Ferguson wants to know the character of the player, and because of that he goes to look by himself for players.
'Hazard is "the man" at Lille. Ferguson wanted to see if that had an influence on him.'
Reports have previously suggested bids in the region of £20million had been rejected by Lille to try to keep Hazard.
However, the player himself has suggested he will soon be keen to leave - and referred to the Premier League as his preference.
'After thinking about my next move, I'm leaning towards England. It's a style of play that suits me and it's there that you can learn the most,' he said.
'I want to play for a big club, but also one where I will play every week.'
Not sure how reliable the Metro is either, but I'd love for Hazard to come to united, even though he has been selling himself to other clubs.
Eden Hazard
posted on 13/4/12
he has one? Bless him.
posted on 13/4/12
comment by The Wonderfully Sweet Little Pea (U6951)
posted 4 hours, 33 minutes ago
comment by JeremyKyleNation (U1041)
posted 10 minutes ago
Isn't Spain also close to France?
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Not as close as England, when you're a teenager from Lille, which is short train ride on the Eurostar to London. He's already stated that's one of the reasons he wants to go i.e. the proximity to where he grew up.
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Aaah so you meant Lille is closer to England than Spain!
posted on 13/4/12
Arab yeah thats her. Brooke..
posted on 13/4/12
Dont think he is Madrid/Barca bound. They dont exactly need him, think he is off to the prem in the summer. Chelsea the likely destination IMO
posted on 13/4/12
Not being funny, but since when do Madrid/Barcelona buy what they actually need? Barcelona forked out on Sanchez when they had an impressive Pedro and Madrid bought Ozil when they had former world player of the year Kaká.
posted on 13/4/12
True, but Madrid actually needed Ozil (on Madrid terms) as he was not his best after being injured, and didnt really have a replacement (I think). Same kinda applies to Sanchez, although Pedro and Messi are excellent, there werent really any back-ups in their position at the time.
Whereas now if Hazard goes to Madird/Barca things would be extremely crowded, if not crowded already!
posted on 13/4/12
I saw this on SSN
I'm not sure about Hazard, there's no doubting his talent and he has great potential.
Ronaldo had an ego when he joined, which grew as he improved. However, he was also very hard working and ambitious, whereas from what I've sen Hazard seems to think he's already made it.
'Hazard is "the man" at Lille. Ferguson wanted to see if that had an influence on him.'
I think it has. This might put SAF off, but the fact we are willing to speak out in the media that we may be interested suggests we are not afraid of a biding war. I'm not jumping with excitement at the idea of us signing him, as his ego may lead to laziness or teammate bashing, but if SAF were to sign him, I'm sure it would be well thought out.
posted on 13/4/12
Doubt we'd get him, but if we did where would he play
posted on 14/4/12
On the left to compete with young, either that or the last man, but not sure how he would do there. But I would rather see us spend money on a cm, lb, st before we bid for another winger
posted on 14/5/17