Champions League qualifiers Bayer Leverkusen have emerged as favourites to sign Manchester United striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez who has been told by the club he can leave Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Leverkusen have moved quickly to secure the 27-year-old Mexican after they beat Lazio last week to book their place in the lucrative Champions League group stages alongside Barcelona, Roma and Bate Borisov.

Despite United's lack of strike options, Hernandez was told on Friday he would be allowed to leave having spent last season on loan at Real Madrid where he scored a vital European winner against city rivals Atletico.

Javier Hernandez, who missed a penalty against Club Bruges in midweek, will be allowed to leave Old Trafford

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has decided he no longer needs the 27-year-old Mexican

Video footage of manager Louis van Gaal and Ryan Giggs staring at each other in horror after Hernandez's penalty miss against Bruges on Wednesday night has gone viral and the United manager has spoken about having to cope with the pressure of playing for United.

It is believed even if United don't sign another centre-forward, he is happy to go with Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini as his main options with James Wilson, Memphis Depay and Adnan Januzaj available as bit-part players at No 9 in case of injury and suspension.

Hernandez was on loan at Real Madrid last season, and is wanted by Bayer Leverkusen this year

Leverkusen beat Lazio in midweek to qualify for the Champions League, and are looking to strengthen

Van Gaal's priority is to sign a right-winger with Juan Mata currently failing to impress in that position.

Southampton have so far strongly rebuffed any advances for their Senegalese speedster Sadio Mane but United are open to negotiations if given any encouragement.