Real Madrid to Demand United Offer Player Plus Cash Deal for Cristiano Ronaldo - Report

Real Madrid will reportedly demand the inclusion of Mexican striker Javier Hernandez in any deal involving the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United.

The Sun believes Sir Alex Ferguson's Premier League champions will make an approach for the 28-year-old Portuguese international in the summer, following increased speculation he will leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.

And should the Old Trafford club make an offer, it is understood that Madrid president Florentino Perez will ask for the 24-year-old Hernandez, valued at £25m, to be included in the player/cash deal. The nine-time European champions have already been linked with a move for Hernandez, who is reportedly frustrated at the lack of game time at Old Trafford.

Hernandez at Old Trafford

Hernandez has made only 19 Premier League appearances this season but has scored eight times and created two goals in that time. He also has four goals and two assists from six FA Cup games and three goals from five starts in the Champions League, making for a very productive season despite being used as a supersub.

Ferguson has acknowledged Hernandez' unhappiness but the Scot has insisted he holds the youngster in very high regard and wants him to remain in England.

"I hope he feels he has made a contribution because we all feel he has done that," the 71-year-old told the Telegraph, adding, "He has scored me 16 goals this season, his enthusiasm is always there and there is no reason to think that this isn't the place for him."

Hernandez at the Bernabeu

Madrid have, at present, France international Karim Benzema and Argentine Gonzalo Higuain as their striking options. Of the two however, the latter is likely to leave in the summer, with the club's general manger, José Angel Sanchez, confirming his availability to interested parties.

The 25-year-old, who has over 100 La Liga goals for the club, has previously interested Chelsea and talkSPORT believes he was scouted during the midweek Champions League semi final win over Borussia Dortmund, by Serie A champions Juventus.

Higuain's potential departure will leave the 25-year-old Benzema as the sole senior striking option (particularly if Ronaldo also leaves) with only academy youngster Alvaro Morata in the squad. This means Madrid will almost certainly spend in the summer, to bring a top-class goal scorer to the club.

Therefore, a bid for Hernandez, irrespective of United's approach for Ronaldo, is a likely summer battle that Ferguson will have to fight.