The Spanish side have made the £15m-rated Mexican their top target to replace Chelsea target Falcao as they also prepare to lose Adrian Lopez to Arsenal
The Spanish side are ready to pay up to £15 million to land the Mexican in the summer and make him the focal point of a new-look strikeforce.
Falcao is one of the hottest properties in Europe and almost certain to leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season amid serious interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal are preparing a fresh bid for Adrian, Falcao’s strike partner at the Vicente Calderon, having already made an offer worth £10m after tracking the Spanish forward for a number of weeks.
Atleti are resigned to losing both players - with Adrian likely to leave this month should the Gunners make a bid approaching the £14.7m release clause in his contract - and have made Chicharito their top target.
A transfer in January is described by sources as virtually impossible, but United are willing to listen to offers for the Mexican as they eye a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.
Chicharito signed a new five-year contract in October 2011 but the 24-year-old has fallen behind Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck in the pecking order at Old Trafford.
The Mexican has scored 12 goals in 22 appearances for United this season but has mainly been restricted to a role as a substitute for the Premier League leaders, with Atletico Madrid ready to offer him a regular starting role.
He is considered the most fitting long-term replacement for Falcao as a natural goalscorer. The Colombian striker has been in stunning form this term, netting 21 times in 18 matches, and prompting clubs consider triggering the £48m buyout clause in his contract.
Chelsea remains the most likely destination for the 26-year-old and the Blues have been in contact with Atletico and the player’s representatives for several months as they attempt to pave the way for a summer deal.
Chicharito is also an instinctive goalscorer who has made an instant impact following his £7m move to United from Guadalajara in 2010 and has been identified as a fitting replacement for Falcao and Adrian.
Atletico Madrid target Chicharito
posted on 15/1/13
A consummate professional.
posted on 15/1/13
They can fk off!
posted on 15/1/13
I hope Hernandez eventually becomes a club legend in terms of ability/skills and equally as important - persona. He is already forming the uncanny resemblence of another club cult status hero as that of our Solskjaer.
posted on 15/1/13
If they want him, the can give us falcao.
posted on 15/1/13
A lot of pressure on the next striker who joins Atletico. Replacing Falcao is not going to be easy, no offence to Hernandez but i do not think he is good enough to replace him, there are very few strikers in the world who are to be fair.
posted on 15/1/13
No chance in hell of this happening
posted on 15/1/13
comment by Özil Da Silva (U11867) posted 8 minutes ago
A lot of pressure on the next striker who joins Atletico
=================================
They said the same thing about Torres, Forlan, Aguero and now Falcao. Hard to believe that early last season, Falcao was being criticised at Atleti.
I have no doubt that if their supply line is still the same, Hernandez will score goals there.
posted on 15/1/13
what if they offered us this Lopez guy?
posted on 15/1/13
They want £55m for Falcao but would only offer 'up to £15m' for Hernandez
posted on 15/1/13
I can't see why this rumour is getting dismissed so easily. I see it only as a matter of time before Hernandez considers leaving. He's hitting 25, scores goals for fun and his lack of all round ability only allows him to play in one position - a position occupied by the very best in the business.
It's certainly plausible he'll want more games and if, and in my opinion, when, he asks to leave then I would have no qualms with that. He scores a lot of goals and could lead the line for a lot of other European clubs. This rumour isn't as unlikely as predicted. Of course, given today's mental state of market I would be wanting around 25m. If offered that, he's off.