Hazard likes Spurs but not Spain

Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by ESPN

Lille star Eden Hazard has quashed rumours of him joining Tottenham in the summer - although he does admit being interested in the Barclays Premier League side.

French media reported on Monday that Hazard, who is being closely monitored by top clubs from England, Italy and Spain, had agreed to join Spurs at the end of the season

However, the Belgium international insists his mind is not made up yet on where his destination will be in the summer when he is expected to leave French Ligue 1 outfit Lille.

"I said that [his desire to move to England] because I think that I can learn the best there because there are big matches every week, even with the little teams, big matches with great atmospheres," Hazard told Belgian TV channel RTBF.

"[Spurs] is a rumour. It is a club that interests me, of course, because they have great players and a great coach.

"I have not signed anything yet - it is too early. At the moment I want to focus on Lille."

Hazard is on the wish list of a number of clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona, but the youngster does not appear keen on a move to Spain despite his love for everything La Liga.

It is understood that Hazard does not want to join a big club to sit on the bench which he feels he may end up doing should he opt to join Real or Barca.

"Spain is perhaps the best place for my style of play, but I think that you have to be at either Barca or Real Madrid to win titles there," Hazard said.

"It is harder to play at a big club at my age."

Tottenham's bitter rival Arsenal recently ruled themselves out of the running to sign Hazard as the club looks to sustain a healthy annual profit.