Football: Conte uncertain on Hazard future

Eden Hazard has been back to his best for Chelsea this season. Photo / AP

Antonio Conte has admitted he cannot guarantee Eden Hazard will be a Chelsea player next season, amid persistent interest from Real Madrid.

Belgium playmaker Hazard has scored 15 English Premier League goals this term to drag Chelsea to the brink of the title.

The 26-year-old has flourished under the taskmaster Italian after a dismal campaign last term, being branded by fans as one of the "rats" partly responsible for Jose Mourinho's sacking.

Hazard's resurgence has Spanish giants Real on high alert but Conte still believes Chelsea do not want to sell and that the Belgian is content with life at Stamford Bridge.

Asked if he could guarantee Hazard would be at Chelsea for the next campaign, Conte replied: "I think that it's impossible for me to take this responsibility, not only for Eden, but for every single player.

"In this situation, the club has the final decision. I can tell my opinion about this situation, but the club has the final word about this situation. I think this is right.

"I don't think that this idea [to sell Hazard] is in the mind of the club because I think that we have to improve the team, reinforce the team. But you know that in football there is also the will of the player.

"But I think also Eden is very happy to stay in Chelsea. I can tell this but I don't have a crystal ball for the future. I think anything is possible in football. But not only for Eden but for every single player.

"Everything is possible, because you must understand there are different wills to compare, and to take the decision."

Chelsea can rubber-stamp Champions League qualification by picking up any points at Goodison Park against Everton tonight, while a win would edge Conte's side ever closer to the league title.

And the former Juventus boss would love to have Hazard in his ranks for an all-out assault on Europe's top club competition next term.

"I think Eden is very happy to stay with us, to work with us," said Conte. "I think his family is very happy to stay here and to play for this team, for this club.

"He's a great player, he has great talent, but I think this season he has improved a lot, not only on the pitch but also I think that he's becoming stronger mentally."