Chelsea have sizeable bid knocked back for Hazard ‘replacement’

Chelsea have had a £22m bid turned down by Bayer Leverkusen for winger Leon Bailey, according to Daily Mail journalist Simon Jones.

The Blues have been tracking the 20 year old’s progress for the last five years and the Mail reports that some backroom staff at the club believe he could be a “potential replacement for Eden Hazard.”

Hazard remains a long term target for Real Madrid, and is believed to have delayed signing a new contract until the end of the season to see if a bid comes in from the La Liga giants.

Bailey has a fair way to go to even get close to the Belgian star’s level though, and is very much seen as one for the future, despite Chelsea’s sizeable offer for the Jamaician starlet.

Since joining from Racing Genk last January, the winger has indeed impressed observers with his performances in the Bundesliga. He has played 20 times in the German top flight, scoring four goals and contributing five assists.