Conte unfazed by Hazard speculation

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says big clubs trying to unsettle his best players is “logical” and is confident Eden Hazard will not be affected by speculation that Real Madrid are trying to sign him.

The Spanish side have been heavily linked with the 26-year Blues star, who has scored 11 Premier League goals for the league leaders so far this season.

But Conte, whose side face Crystal Palace on Saturday, said Real Madrid’s apparent interest in Hazard was part of football.

“It is normal and logical in this part of the season to start rumours about our players and I am very happy because it means we are doing a great job with my players,” the Italian added.

“If Chelsea players are requested by the other teams it means we are doing well. It is to try to create a bit of difficulty in the mind of the players. But I think we have great experience to face these situations and also my players have this experience.

“Is it true? I don’t know, but I am repeating always the same thing. Now it is very important to be focused for my players on the present and don’t look too far forward because it is very dangerous.

“The only thing I can say is that Eden is a Chelsea player and our player and we are happy with him and he is happy with us. I don’t see any problems about him.”