BBC pundit says World Cup player Aston Villa reportedly want to sign ‘looks about two stone overweight’ now

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Reported Aston Villa target Eden Hazard has been criticised at the World Cup by BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton.

Earlier this month, Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported that Villa were plotting a bid to sign the Belgium captain from Real Madrid.

Unai Emery is gearing up for his first transfer window in charge at Villa Park, although any swoop for Hazard may need to wait until summer.

Sutton ran the rule over Belgium ahead of their final group game against Croatia and said he had not been impressed by Hazard.

Sutton on Hazard

He said: “Kevin de Bruyne says Belgium are too old to win this World Cup, and he has got a point.

“They are an aging team and it is sad to see the decline of Eden Hazard, who has had so many injuries since leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid in 2019.

“He used to be so dynamic and could go past people but now he looks about two stone overweight. Belgium have left themselves a tough task against a wily Croatia side who are dangerous going forward.

“De Bruyne could still change things by playing a pass that no-one else can see, so I probably shouldn’t write Belgium off – but I am going to.

“It’s the end of an era for them, and they probably haven’t achieved what they should have done with the players they have.”

It has not worked out at Madrid for Hazard since he got the move that his form for Chelsea over a number of years deserved.

He has had injury problems and now looks a shadow of the player who tore Premier League defences apart for fun at Stamford Bridge.

Villa already have recent experience of signing a former Premier League superstar whose big move to Spain did not work out – Philippe Coutinho.

What initially looked like a coup on loan has quickly soured since his permanent arrival and that – as well as Sutton’s comments – should make Villa wary over Hazard.