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Lille planning for Hazard exit

Image: Eden Hazard: The Belgium international is considered to be on the hottest properties in Europe

Lille coach Rudi Garcia admits the reigning French champions are already planning for life after Eden Hazard.

Garcia already thinking about potential replacements

Lille coach Rudi Garcia admits the reigning French champions are already planning for life after Eden Hazard. It is expected to be only a matter of time before the Belgian starlet heads for pastures new. Having made rapid progress over recent seasons, the 20-year-old is considered to be one of the hottest prospects in European football. The likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Inter Milan are all believed to hold an interest in his services, while Manchester City have also been linked with a big-money approach. Lille appreciate that the time will come when they are forced to cash in on their prized asset, and Garcia concedes that some thought has already been given as to who could replace Hazard. "We're thinking about it, of course," he said.

Replace

"But it is still a little early at the moment. "It would be very hard to replace a player of Eden's calibre. We'll see what we can do, but for the moment we are making the most of his presence here." Lille chairman Michel Seydoux is also readying himself for what is shaping up to be a busy summer for the club in 2012. "If he and we are in agreement with him leaving, I don't know what his price will be at the end of the season," he said. "What is certain is that we will have the means to recruit after he has gone."

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