Chelsea have been hit with a two-window transfer ban for breaking rules over the signing of minors in a fresh blow that has pushed Eden Hazard further towards the exit.

Although optimistic Blues supporters reacted to the news by suggesting Hazard could now be held to his contract, which expires next year, the Fifa ruling will only harden his desire to join Real Madrid.

And the fact Chelsea have confirmed they will appeal, potentially delaying the ban for up to a year, means the club will be under greater pressure to sell their star man this summer so they can reinvest the money.

The Blues cannot risk Hazard leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2020, when they could be under transfer embargo and unable to sign a replacement.

Chelsea will also need to bring in big money if they are to spend heavily this summer in preparation for being banned from making any signings in the future and they value 28-year-old Hazard upwards of £100million.