Rivals a Hazard to Harry

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed he would be interested in signing Lille wideman Eden Hazard, but fears competition from Manchester United and Manchester City.

The Belgian has been attracting interest across Europe in recent months and Redknapp is a known admirer of the youngster having watching the 21-year-old and Marseille front-man Loic Remy over the season.

Hazard has already spoken of interest from White Hart Lane and has suggested he would be keen to secure a move to the North London giants as he would be guaranteed first-team football.

And Redknapp has now confirmed to the French media his admiration for the young winger, but has warned of competition for the player.

“Our chairman is willing to pay for an exceptional talent, like Eden Hazard,” he is quoted by L’Equipe.

“I have seen him several times recently in Marseille [in January] and then also against PSG in the final of the Coupe de France [last May].

“But I also know that Manchester United are looking at him and also Manchester City.

“It will be difficult to get him, but I like him a lot.”

It had been believed that Chelsea were leading the race for his signature recently, but with Spurs now thought to be heading the queue, they should move quickly to bring in the prodigious youngster ahead of their competition.

Signing Hazard would be a massive sign of intent by Redknapp’s side should they indeed bring him to North London. A massive improvement on what the veteran tactician has available at his disposal at present, it may be pivotal for owner Daniel Levy to secure him on a long-term deal before the end of the season.