Manchester United are understood to be preparing a shock £65million bid for Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard.

The Daily Star is reporting the Red Devils have set their sights on the Belgian international after being told there is no chance of them being able to lure Gareth Bale away from Real Madrid.

United face stiff competition for Hazard, who has also been linked with Madrid, German champions Bayern Munich and French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

It is understood Hazard has been left disillusioned by the Blues' dismal Premier League title defence and is eager for a change of scenery.

A United source reportedly told the Daily Star: "The club has to be realistic and realise that signing Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo remains a long shot, which means alternative targets come into the equation.

"Eden Hazard is certainly one of those and the type of player United need if they want to start winning trophies again."