Chelsea have reportedly ended their interest in signing Eden Hazard, who is a target for Arsenal, Tottenham, and a host of other clubs.
The Lille playmaker has confirmed that he wants to join a Premier League club and in recent days has spoken positively about a possible summer switch to either Arsenal or Tottenham.
Prior to his recent comments, Hazard was widely expected to join Chelsea at the end of the season, and talks between the Blues and the player's representatives took place last month.
But according to Goal.com, Chelsea have now told the 21-year-old's representatives that they will not be lodging a bid at the end of the season.
A source told the website: Chelsea are not going to sign Hazard. They said, 'We know him and like him but we are not going to do it'."
Arsenal and Spurs are now frontrunners to sign the Belgium international, although Liverpool, Manchester City, and rivals Manchester United all remain keen.
But according to Friday's report, a move to White Hart Lane could be edging closer after Tottenham came close to signing Hazard in the final days of the January transfer window.
The midfielder's father, Thierry, earlier this week suggested joining Spurs would be a good career move, while Hazard and agent John Bico have already met with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.
Hazard, who is also believed to be a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid, has also hinted at a move to Spain, but speaking to Sport Foot Magazine this week, he again spoke fondly of the Premier League, saying: "That's the championship where I think I can express myself better. Where I can learn more, too.
"[It's] difficult to explain why. [It's a] question of feeling. The level of the matches, the atmosphere in the stadiums,
"This is still well above anything I've experienced so far in France and that attracts me. And I know many people in England. This is another added attraction."
He also played down talk of a move to Spain, adding: "I'm obviously not against the idea.
"Who does not dream of Real Madrid? Or FC Barcelona? But I am convinced that, for now at least, the ideal for me would be England,
"I am lucid enough to realize that being holder in one of two Spanish grandees, at my age it would be complicated."