Real Madrid reportedly made an attempt to sign former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez in the summer transfer window.

As per reports from Spanish outlet Don Balon, reigning European champions Real Madrid tried to bring in former Manchester United striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, before they signed Mariano Diaz.

It is no secret that Los Blancos were in the market for attacking reinforcements all summer, following the shock exit of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner swapped Madrid for Serie A champions Juventus in a €100 million deal, leaving Florentino Perez scouring the market for a marquee signing.

Real were heavily linked with moves for PSG duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, but nothing came to fruition, while their attempts to land Chelsea winger Eden Hazard also fell through. This led to the club switching their attention another PSG star, Edinson Cavani.

However, as Madrid hit a dead end in their pursuit of the Uruguayan as well, club president Florentino Perez pondered over making a surprise move for Hernandez. The 30-year old, who is currently with Premier League club West Ham United, had spent a season on loan at Madrid, while he was still contracted to Manchester United.

The Mexican international had come up with returns of 9 goals and 9 assists from 33 appearances across all competitions for the Merengues, despite largely playing second-fiddle to Karim Benzema.

Chicharito declined a chance to return to Madrid (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Chicharito declined a chance to return to Madrid (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Chicharito was understood to have made a strong impression at the club, with his attitude and work ethic. And Perez was keen on bringing him back to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, with manager Julen Lopetegui demanding a new forward to strengthen the squad at his disposal.

However, the report goes on to claim that Hernandez rejected Madrid’s advances. It is being claimed that Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer wasn’t keen on being the second-choice striker behind Benzema once more.

Moreover, at the time, the 30-year old was in negotiations with Turkish giants Besiktas, who were understood to be offering double the wages that Real were willing to pay. A move to Turkey didn’t materialize though, and he ended up staying put with West Ham United.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, went ahead and swooped in to re-sign former striker Mariano Diaz, from under the noses of La Liga rivals Sevilla.

It seems to have all worked out well for Madrid at the end though, considering that Hernandez had endured a poor 2017-18 season, finishing with just eight goals for the Hammers. In comparison, Mariano had plundered 21 goals and set up 8 more for Lyon during the last year and is five years younger than the former Manchester United striker.

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