Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has warned his old club that Belgian forward Eden Hazard is irreplaceable.
Spanish giants Real Madrid have been in talks to sign the Blues star for over a month now, and it looks increasingly likely that he will leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The 28-year-old revealed on Sunday that he informed the club of where he wants to play his football next season two weeks ago.
A transfer ban means Chelsea will be unable to sign a direct replacement, but Derby boss Lampard believes no single player in the world could fill Hazard’s boots in any case, and instead urged the club to give its young players a chance.
“He’s in the top few players in the world. I think we all know that,” Lampard told talkSPORT. “We’ve seen him in the Premier League and he has been a joy to have.
“Of course it will be disappointing to lose him for the Premier League but particularly Chelsea.
“You don’t replace Eden Hazard, you have to find ways around it whether it be some of the younger players or the team.”
