Transfer rumours: Hazard to Palace, Dier to Fulham, Johnson to Southampton

The Belgian departed Real Madrid in June, coming to an agreement with the Spanish giants to end his contract a year earlier than originally planned due to his struggles for action.

Hazard has been linked with a move to the MLS, but he remains a free agent, and there have been suggestions that the former Lille youngster is considering retirement.

However, according to FootballTransfers, Palace could provide him with the chance to return to the Premier League.

The report claims that the Eagles are considering offering Hazard a one-year deal on a pay-as-you-play basis, with the club aware of his fitness issues.

The 32-year-old was one of the best players in the Premier League during his time at Chelsea, starring for the London club between 2012 and 2019 before making the move to Real Madrid.

Hazard never managed to find his best form in the Spanish capital, though, only managing seven goals and 12 assists in 76 appearances in all competitions.

Elsewhere, Fulham have reportedly been in touch with Tottenham Hotspur to register their interest in signing Eric Dier before the summer transfer window closes for business.

The 29-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, and he is expected to be on the move before the market closes next Friday.

According to Sky Sports News, Fulham have made an inquiry for Dier and are confident of agreeing a deal for the England international if they decide to go down that route over the next week.

Dier made the move to Tottenham from Sporting Lisbon in 2014, and he has represented the London club on 361 occasions in all competitions.

The Englishman was again a regular during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 42 occasions, but he has not been involved for the capital side in the early stages of this season.

A loan move is thought to be a possibility, although Dier's contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is due to expire next June, so Ange Postecoglou's side are thought to favour a permanent exit.

Meanwhile, Southampton are allegedly keen to sign West Ham United defender Ben Johnson ahead of the closing of the transfer window.

The Saints are in the market for a replacement for Tino Livramento, having allowed the full-back to make the move to Newcastle United.

According to Football Insider, Johnson has been identified as a possible acquisition, with the 23-year-old potentially available before the end of the market.

The report claims that the Saints have already been in touch with West Ham over a deal.

Johnson, who has been an unused substitute in his side's first two matches of the new Premier League season, only has a contract at the London Stadium until next summer.

The Englishman has featured 87 times for the Hammers in all competitions, including 55 appearances in the Premier League, with 17 of those coming last season.

Southampton and West Ham have already done business this summer, with James Ward-Prowse moving to the London Stadium and Flynn Downes joining the Saints on loan.