Southampton Launch Ambitious Bid to Sign Manchester United Striker Javier Hernandez

Southampton have entered the race to sign Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez but face stiff competition for the Mexican from Inter Milan.

The Saints have been pillaged this summer following the departures of stars Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Luke Shaw.

Young prospect Calum Chambers also left St Mary's after moving to Arsenal, handing new manager Ronald Koeman a huge re-building job.

The south coast club are now looking to use some of the £90m they have received from their summer clearout to splash out on United striker Hernandez, reports the Daily Mail.

Koeman has already brought in striker Graziano Pelle from the manager's former club Feyenoord but hopes the lure of an up-front fee for Hernandez could tempt United into selling the Old Trafford favourite.

The unsettled 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford ever since Louis van Gaal took the reins at the club.

He has featured just twice during United's pre-season tour of America having been granted extra time off following his muted exploits for his country at the World Cup.

If Hernandez does end up walking away from United, who he signed for in 2010 from hometown club Guadalajara, it is likely to be for a side competing in the Champions League.

Inter Milan and Spanish champions Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in securing the services of the striker, who has scored 37 goals in 101 appearances for United, with Atletico manager Diego Simeone going public about his interest in Hernandez.

"Hernandez and other football players who may be on Atletico's radar could well be possible before the transfer window closes," AS reported him as saying.

Meanwhile, Koeman hopes to add at least three players to Saints' depleted squad. Speaking after a 3-1 pre-season victory over Championship side Brighton, the former Barcelona defender said he hoped to wrap up the deals very soon.