Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for CF Montreal.
Hazard is currently nearing the end of his fourth year at the Santiago Bernabeu, but the playmaker remains very much on the periphery of Carlo Ancelotti's squad.
The 32-year-old has made just four starts and six substitute appearances all season, the most recent of the former coming when a much-changed side was named to face Getafe on Saturday.
Despite that rare occasion in the starting lineup, Hazard remained as an unused substitute on Wednesday night as Real lost 4-0 to Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Los Blancos now have four matches left to try to retain hold of second spot in the La Liga table, it unclear whether Carlo Ancelotti will hand Hazard any further game time.
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Although Hazard remains very much out of favour at Real, he has regularly stated that he has no plans to exit the club before the end of his contract next year.
The former Chelsea star has reiterated that he and his family are settled in the city, something which he is prioritising over game time elsewhere.
Nevertheless, according to Marca, the retired Belgium international has admirers in CF Montreal.
While it is claimed that Montreal have not progressed their initial interest, the Canadian side are ready to provide Hazard with an alternative route.
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Montreal, who are coached by Hernan Losada, have endured a mixed campaign thus far, winning five and losing seven of their 12 matches in MLS.
Just 11 goals have been scored during those games, though, and Le CFM went down to a 3-0 defeat at Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night.
If Hazard has a change of heart over the next phase of his career, he will likely have suitors in Europe, including in the Premier League with clubs best equipped to match his wages.
Hazard will also have to consider whether another campaign of minimal game time will reduce his options if he becomes a free agent in 2024.
Darren Plant
