Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has admitted the club are interested to secure the services of Javier Hernandez from Manchester United this summer, according to reports from AS.
The Mexico international has been a peripheral figure at Old Trafford – who has struggled to get into first team in recent seasons, managing only 15 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils in the last two seasons.
It is understood Atletico have signed Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad and Mario Mandzukic from Bayern Munich but at the same time they have lost Diego Costa, David Villa and Adrian Lopez in this transfer window.
Following the departure of star players – it is obvious the La Liga champions are now looking at the 26-year-old striker in order to strengthen their striking options as they look to challenge their rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid for the silverware next season.
“We speak to the sporting directors, we gave them the ideas on the type of players we want and then they get the players,” Simeone said.
“With Javier Hernandez and plenty of other great players, anything is possible. We can’t close the door to anyone until the transfer window closes.
“He is a vertical player, great in one on one situations, he’s a great option for any team.”
It is unclear – whether Hernandez is in van Gaal’s plans for the coming season, but his market value is expected to be around £15 to £20million, a transfer fee that the spanish club will not hesitate to pay for the striker.