Atletico Madrid Want Hernandez as Falcao Replacement – Report

Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez has emerged as a potential target for Atletico Madrid who are concerned that they may lose star striker Radamel Falcao in the summer.

The Colombian has once again been in sensational form this season, scoring 21 goals in his 24 league games and confirming his status as one of the most prolific strikers in European football.

Having scored a staggering 38 goals in his first season with the Spanish side, Falcao has continued to impress and Atletico are concerned that there will be a host of European clubs vying for his signature in the summer.

Falcao has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City, while he also admitted that he would one day like to play in Italy.

Should a massive offer arrive in the summer then it seems Atletico have already decided who they would like to replace Falcao, and according to the Express, it is Manchester United's Hernandez.

The Mexican has struggled to force his way regularly into the first team this season because of the exceptional form of Robin van Persie. With Wayne Rooney normally the Dutch striker's preferred partner, and with Danny Welbeck being chosen in the Champions League tie against Real Madrid, it seems Hernandez has slipped down to fourth choice.

However, he has still scored 16 goals in all competitions this season and has always excelled when handed an opportunity by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Atletico would hope that they could persuade Hernandez to make the move and they would be an attractive option as it looks almost certain that they will achieve Champions League football for next season.

It has been a successful season thus far from Diego Simeone's side as they currently sit in third place, just one point behind Real Madrid and 13 clear of Malaga in fourth.

Much will depend on the size of the offers arriving for Falcao, but Atletico have had a rich tradition of top class strikers with Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan all excelling while playing at the Vicente Calderon.