Chelsea Send Scouts To Watch Hazard Replacement With €120m Release Clause

2012 European champions Chelsea have reportedly sent scouts to run the rule over highly rated Benfica attacker Joao Felix as they eye a replacement for Eden Hazard.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo revealed the Blues’ interest in the young Portuguese attacker as it was revealed that Chelsea are one of several clubs to have sent scouts to watch Joao Felix in action in the colours of Benfica.

Joao Felix, 19, has a release clause of €120m (£105m) having recently put pen to paper on a new contract at the Estadio da Luz.

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Recent reports had claimed that Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Liverpool had a big bid rejected by Benfica for the player.

It was revealed that the Reds had a £61m bid turned down for Joao Felix with Portuguese Super League side Benfica holding out for the full payment of the aforementioned release clause in his new contract at the club.

Joao Felix is seen by Chelsea as a potential replacement for wantaway Chelsea player Eden Hazard though they have already signed Christian Pulisic from German Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund.

American forward Pulisic will spend the rest of the season at Borussia Dortmund before linking up with his new teammates at Chelsea this summer.