The deal for Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez to leave Old Trafford is all but finished, according to Sky Sport’s Guillem Balague who stated that Hernandez is going to Real Madrid on a one-year loan deal.

After new manager Louis van Gaal informed Hernandez and a few other players they were free to leave at the beginning of his time at Manchester United, Hernandez has been linked with several clubs over the recent transfer season. Real Madrid turned their attention to Hernandez after talks with Monaco for Radamel Falcao seemingly turned cold, as Monaco is expected to wait on selling Falcao in order to receive a larger transfer fee.

Hernandez has never been able to earn a consistent starting role since transferring to Manchester United from C.D. Guadalajara in 2010, and is likely looking to make a larger role for himself in Madrid. His goal-scoring ability should help Real keep depth in the striker role without compromising the current starters.

Hernandez was scouted for Manchester United from C.D. Guadalajara and signed quickly in order to avoid competition from other clubs before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa started where he made his World Cup debut for Mexico against South Africa. He later scored his first World Cup goal against France where he was also named Man of the Match.

His first season with United was his best at Old Trafford, with 20 goals in 45 appearances. Eventually playing in 102 games and scored 37 goals in his four years at Manchester United.