Hazard, who also won the award in 2015 having lifted the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2014, has enjoyed an excellent season for Chelsea and is among a shortlist of six names.

The Belgian has hit 19 goals this season, including memorable efforts against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and West Ham in the Premier League earlier this month, as well as contributing 12 assists in an enterprising campaign.

Hazard also captained Belgium to third place in last summer’s World Cup in Russia, as well as netting the winning goal in last year’s FA Cup final at Wembley.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on Sunday April 28.

