Real Madrid have reportedly asked Manchester United for more time as they consider the option of signing Javier Hernandez on a permanent deal. 

The Mexican striker joined Real Madrid in the summer on a season long loan after finding himself surplus to requirements at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal. 

Hernandez initially struggled to make an impact for Los Blancos, but after scoring four goals in last six appearances, he has evolved as a key player, especially in absence of the injured Karim Benzema. 

Madrid are now considering the options of signing the 26-year-old permanently, which even a month ago, seemed unlikely. 

According to Mexican news channel TDN, Real Madrid’s purchase option to sign Hernandez on a permanent deal expires today, which means the European champions have been forced to ask United for more time.

Hernandez doesn’t hold any long term future at Old Trafford and he will be offloaded in the summer. There are reports that United are also considering using him as a part of the deal to sign Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne. 

Madrid want to sort out the deal in summer, rather than now, and would have pay around £15m to sign Hernandez permanently.