Atletico Madrid want £12m Hernandez to replace Chelsea and Man City target Falcao

Heading for the exit: Hernandez

Atletico Madrid are hoping that Manchester United's Javier Hernandez can be the man to fill Radamel Falcao's boots should the striker depart as expected in January.



Falcao, 26, has become the most sought-after striker in Europe and Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are queuing up to meet his £46m release clause in the next transfer window.



The Colombian has already expressed his desire to leave the Spanish capital and Atletico hope to lure Mexican Hernandez as his replacement, according to Metro.

The 24-year-old arrived in England for a fee of around £7m in 2010 but despite making an instant impact at the club he has fallen behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and summer arrival Robin van Persie in the Old Trafford pecking order this season.

Bench-warmer: Hernandez has started just one Premier League game this season

Hernandez - who netted 20 goals in his debut campaign at United when he started the Champions League final - has just started just one Premier League game this season and has netted just once in seven appearances .

Fiorentina are also interested in a January move for the man nicknamed 'Chicarito' but they are only willing to pay £8m and will be gazumped should Atletico be funded by the sale of Falcao.

Hot property: Falcao celebrates scoring the winner against Sociedad on Sunday

Falcao took his tally for the season to 12 goals in just eight games with the winner against Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

