Eden Hazard could cost world-record fee as Real Madrid go hunting for Chelsea ace  

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Real Madrid fear Chelsea will demand a world-record transfer fee for Eden Hazard.

The Spanish giants have started the groundwork towards a mega-money move, likely to be next summer, for the Belgium international.

But concerns are growing at the Bernabeu that they will have to surpass the £86million fee they paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013 to prise Hazard away from Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid fear Chelsea will demand a world-record fee for Eden Hazard (centre, pictured on Saturday)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho offers instructions to Hazard during their defeat against Liverpool

Real Madrid think Hazard could cost more than the £86million paid for Gareth Bale back in September 2013

Bringing Hazard to the Spanish capital features prominently on Real's agenda, and work behind the scenes is already underway to make the swoop a reality.

Hazard is understood to be aware of Real's interest. However, the La Liga club are fully aware of the financial implications that would surround such a deal.

Real fear Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will not let Hazard leave without a fight and would insist on the Spanish club paying more than they did for Bale before even considering letting him leave.

The Russian billionaire showed his sensitive side in allowing Petr Cech leave for Arsenal in the summer given the keeper's sterling service to the Blues.

Real are convinced Abramovich will not be quite so accommodating regarding Hazard, knowing the Russian will not want to lose face, particularly if Hazard impresses at Euro 2016.

Hazard signed a five-year contract earlier this year which leaves Chelsea in a strong position.

Hazard has been below-par so far this season but would represent quite the coup for Real Madrid

Real fear Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich (pictured in 2013) will not let Hazard leave without a fight

Hazard is not the sort of character to aggressively force through a move; but sources close to the player insist, as it stands, he would make his intention clear to join Madrid should they formalise their interest.

Sportsmail revealed on Monday how Hazard would seek a move should Mourinho remain in charge beyond next summer.

But with Mourinho's future at Chelsea on a knife-edge, Hazard may re-assess his future should the manager leave; though the lure of playing for Real is still likely to be too much to resist.

Likewise, whether or not Chelsea qualify for the Champions League, which at the moment looks far from a forgone conclusion, will be a factor for Hazard when he considers his future next summer.