Frank Lampard is delighted to learn that Eden Hazard is on his way to Chelsea, with the Blues having beaten a host of top clubs to his signature.
Midfielder delighted to hear that Belgian starlet is Blues-bound
Frank Lampard is delighted to learn that Eden Hazard is on his way to Chelsea, with the Blues having beaten a host of top clubs to his signature.
Manchester United and Manchester City were also keen on the Belgium international, who is set to sever ties with Lille, but he has announced that he will be linking up with the newly-crowned UEFA Champions League winners this summer.
Chelsea have pulled off quite a coup in securing his services, which bodes well for the future.
Lampard admits as much, with the Stamford Bridge stalwart aware of the need for the Blues to inject fresh, young talent into their squad when the opportunity arises.
"It is very exciting to hear the news. I haven't seen so much of the French football but everyone I speak to says he is a very top player, a very top young player," Lampard said.
"If he can bring that youth and hunger and ability into our team, then he'll be very welcome.
"Joe Cole knows him very well and spent a year at Lille with him.
"Talking about those type of players, Joe is very honest and knowledgeable and he has been very impressed with him."
Quality
Lampard will get a close look at Hazard on Saturday when England step up their Euro 2012 preparations with a friendly date against Belgium at Wembley.
An untimely thigh problem could keep Lampard out of that tie, as he is due to undergo a scan on Thursday, but the experienced midfielder is expecting a talented Belgian outfit to provide a tough test for the Three Lions.
He said: "We were talking over lunch about the quality players Belgium have now.
"Maybe in recent years they haven't been seen as one of the top nations.
"But when you think of the quality players playing around England and Europe at the moment in their team, they are going to provide a very tough game for us."
