Javier “Chicharito” Hernández
Javier “Chicharito” Hernández could exit Manchester United in search of regular first-team action. Getty Images

Javier “Chicharito” Hernández may have been included in the Manchester United squad for the opening Premier League fixture of the season but he may yet be playing away from Old Trafford before the close of the summer transfer window. Hernández had seemingly been given another chance to impress United manager Louis van Gaal since returning from a season-long loan spell at Real Madrid. Yet, after being an unused substitute in a 1-0 victory over Tottenham, he may still be allowed to leave should United secure a replacement to support Wayne Rooney in the striking department.

And it could be that United’s opening opponents are the Mexico star’s next destination. Tottenham have long been rumored as a suitor and, according to the London Evening Standard, Spurs are now cementing their interest in the player, and are confident of landing at least one of Hernández and fellow target Saido Berahino, of West Bromwich Albion. The report states that Hernández, 27, will be allowed to depart for £12 million.

Were Hernández to sign he could well link up with young English talent Harry Kane in attack, although with manager Mauricio Pochettino preferring a single-striker formation he may have to bide his time on the bench. After struggling for regular first-team action both at Manchester United and Real Madrid in recent years, Hernández stated that his priority for this season was to be at a club where he was assured of a place in the starting lineup.

That will almost certainly not be the case at Manchester United. And, according to the Daily Mail, his exit will be sanctioned as soon as the club completes an expected deal for Barcelona forward Pedro. The tabloid, though, suggests that there is competition for Hernández, with West Ham said to be willing to match his asking price.

West Ham are known to be on the lookout for striking reinforcement following a recent long-term injury suffered by Ecuador front man Enner Valencia. The club were close to arranging a loan deal for Hernández’s Mexico teammate Raúl Jiménez, but he is now on the verge of joining Benfica in Portugal. Hernández may have been encouraged by the prospect of a move to West Ham after they upset Arsenal in their first Premier League outing under new manager Slaven Bilic.

But, given the option, Hernández would likely see Tottenham as offering a more likely route to the Champions League -- a competition he has featured in every season since moving to Europe with Manchester United in 2010.

Getting a run in any team, though, is surely the priority. Hernández impressed when given a chance by Real Madrid late last season, even scoring the winner in the Champions League quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid. But his summer was cut short by an injury that ruled him out of the Gold Cup, denying him the chance to show his penalty-box instincts remain in full force.

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