Chelsea star Eden Hazard not affected by Real Madrid rumours, Thibaut Courtois reveals future plans

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois insists Eden Hazard is not affected by speculation linking him with a £100m move to Real Madrid and says both he and his compatriot are very happy at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard has been in fine form for Antonio Conte's men this season and scored twice as Chelsea beat Manchester City 2-1 to further strengthen their grip on the Premier League title. After a rather sorry campaign last year the former Lille playmaker is back to his very best, and Courtois is not worried about him swapping the Bridge for the Bernabeu.

The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, who spent three years at the Vicente Calderon between 2011 and 2014, also distanced himself from a move to Real Madrid and is hoping to make 'many more' appearances for Chelsea after starting his 100th game for the club during their win over City. The former Genk starlet has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who also hold a burning interest in Manchester United's David de Gea.

"Eden is not affected by it," Courtois told The Evening Standard. "They are just rumours. He is just calm. He knows that he is important to Chelsea, like I do. We are both very happy to be here. This was my 100th game for Chelsea and I hope for many more."

Chelsea have been able to have a free run at the Premier League this season after failing to qualify for the Champions League in the previous campaign. The Blues still predictably hold aspirations of winning Europe's elite competition and will no doubt be involved in it next season, and Courtois believes if Conte's men are to have any chance of winning the prestigious trophy for the second time, they must keep Hazard away from the clutches of Real Madrid.

"Yes. Eden is one of the best players in the world," Courtois added. "Chelsea have ambitions to win the Champions League again and always look to play for the title. If you want to do that, you need the biggest players and he is obviously a big part of that."