Getting rid of useless Hazard is not easy, but the reward for such a feat is called Diaby

If Real Madrid finally secure the signature of Borussia Dortmund's English midfielder Jude Bellingham this year, it would surely be their biggest piece of business - but it doesn't mean it would be the only one.

Los Blancos are believed to be planning for a transfer window in which few players would come in and out of their ranks but knowing the market, all plans could change in an instant. Usually, one unforeseen departure can trigger a chain of events in which several players could switch clubs. And according to Marca, the Spanish giants are keen on Bayer Leverkusen's Malian-born winger Moussa Diaby, one of the most exciting attacking players in the Bundesliga. The former Paris Saint-Germain youngster would probably command a fee of around $50 million, something not even Real Madrid could afford to spend without selling someone first. And that's where Eden Hazard comes in.

The forgotten man has another year left on his contract at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but there isn't anyone left who still believes the former Chelsea superstar can perform at the highest level. Simply put, he is nothing but a burden on the club's budget. Despite the reported feel-good factor and Eden's influence on his fellow player, it makes little sense for the club to continue paying him around $500,000 weekly just to have a cheerful voice in the dressing room.

Getting rid of Hazard is a tough task because it's nearly impossible to find a club willing to pay Hazard the big bucks. Meanwhile, the Belgian is in no hurry to leave because he knows he's currently on the best contract he'll ever have. After all, would any of us decline the offer of getting half a million dollars for jogging around the training pitch in sunny Spain? Probably not.

And so, Diaby remains a desire - but it depends on Hazard's future. The 23-year-old winger has been in fine form for Leverkusen this season, as he grabbed nine goals and eight assists in 23 Bundesliga appearances for the Aspirin makers. He also scored twice in six UEFA Champions League appearances and three goals in the UEFA Europa League knockouts. Such good form ensured the return to the French national team for the speedy African.

COPA DEL REY - FINAL

Saturday

23.00: (9.50) Osasuna (5.10) Real Madrid (1.41)

***odds are subject to change***