Lille reject Hazard Reds link

Reports had claimed Liverpool would have first refusal on signing highly-rated Hazard next summer as a sweetner for allowing Cole to make the move to France. Hazard is regarded as one of the best young talents in Europe and has been linked with a host of clubs including Liverpool and Arsenal. Lille general manager Frederic Paquet has dismissed the claims and insists there is no link between Hazard and Cole. Joe Cole's exit from Liverpool could have a knock-on effect at Arsenal with the Reds rumoured to have first option on signing Lille star Eden Hazard. "There is absolutely nothing in that," Pacquet told The Independent. "There is no link between Joe Cole and Eden. There has been no discussion. "We know Eden Hazard is interesting some of the best clubs in Europe, but he is here and part of the project."