Ferguson Poised to Enter Race for Lille Playmaker

Eden Hazard has acknowledged he is flattered to be linked with a move to Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson watched the Lille playmaker at the weekend.

The prodigiously gifted 21-year-old has long been associated with moves to Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Liverpool, however Ferguson remains a long-term admirer and could be tempted to finalise his interest in the summer transfer window.

The Manchester United boss was in France on Saturday to watch Hazard in his side's 2-1 defeat at Lyon, as he scouts additional support in midfield.

And the Belgium international, who has scored 11 goals in 27 games for Lille during the current campaign, admits his head has been turned by Manchester United's reported interest.

"Of course [Manchester United interests me]. This is a club that excites everyone, but for now my focus is on Lille," Hazard is quoted in La Voix du Nord.

"But yes, it is a pleasure to be watched by one of the best coaches in the world, if not the best."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp also admits that he is interested in signing Hazard in the summer but conceded he could struggle to match both Manchester clubs should they enter the race for the player.

"Our chairman is willing to pay for an exceptional talent, like Eden Hazard," he is quoted on ESPN Soccernet. "I have seen him several times recently, in Marseille [in January] and then also against PSG in the final of the Coupe de France [last May].

"But I also know that Manchester United are looking at him and also Manchester City. It will be difficult to get him, but I like him a lot."