West Ham United keen to sign Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez in the summer

West Ham United are reportedly preparing a summer move for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

According to Tutto Mercato Web, the Mexican striker, who is currently on loan at Real Madrid will be available for a permanent transfer during the summer transfer window.

The Spanish capital club took the United forward on loan at the start of the season after Karim Benzema's backup Jese Rodriguez suffered a knee injury. But with the young Spaniard returning to full fitness, Hernandez has found it difficult to get any game time during recent months.

The Mexican international has made 16 appearances for the reigning European champions and scored four goals. The report claims that Real are not willing to make his deal permanent at the end of the current season.

The 26-year-old striker, who has 18 months left on his contract, will return to Old Trafford after his loan spell, and it is believed that Louis van Gaal, who has plenty of options in attack, will look to move the striker on a permanent basis.

West Ham, who are having their best ever campaign in the Premier League are believed to be interested in signing the Mexican striker, who has been impressive for United during his time at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, the Hammers have suffered a massive blow in their pursuit of European football after a Mirror report suggested that striker Andy Carroll is set to be sidelined for two months with a knee injury.

The English striker picked up the injury during the east London club's clash against Southampton on Wednesday and the manager was hoping that the injury was a minor one.

The former Newcastle United striker, who only returned from a long-term injury, was one of the key players in Sam Allardyce's squad as they fight for a place in the top six of the Premier League.