Chelsea landed Eden Hazard ahead of Manchester United and Manchester City thanks to their willingness to negotiate a controversial agent's fee.

The Daily Star Sunday says the Stamford Bridge club won the battle for Hazard, 21, not only because they captured the Champions League and the underlying appeal that created but for financial reasons, too.

Hazard's £8m-a-year wages weren't a problem and Chelsea also struck a deal with his agent, John Bico.

He wanted £6m for his part in the switch and Chelsea reached a compromise agreement, whereas City and United felt they were paying enough with the fee and Hazard's wages.