Real Madrid make Van Persie enquiry

The Dutchman has endured a difficult season at Old Trafford and the club will listen to offers for him in the summer, with the Spanish giants showing an interest

Real Madrid have made an enquiry regarding the availability of Robin van Persie this summer, Goal has learned.

The Spanish giants, knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage this week by Juventus, have been talking with Manchester United about the future of Javier Hernandez, the Mexican forward who has been on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu this campaign.

United are keen to offload Hernandez on a permanent basis for a fee, though it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will remain with Madrid into next season.

That has prompted the Spanish club to consider their options as they look to strengthen their forward options alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo - and Van Persie’s name has come up in discussions.

The Dutchman has made a total of 25 appearances for United this term, scoring 10 goals. But despite lofty expectations upon Louis van Gaal’s takeover at Old Trafford last summer, he has failed to establish himself as his countryman’s key striker.

He will also be a free agent in the summer of 2016 with just one year left on his current deal, though as that amounts to nearly €16.5m, Madri and United may need to come to an agreement to settle Van Persie’s outstanding earnings if any move comes to fruition.

It is thought United would be willing to make a significant contribution to his final year’s wages by way of a pay-off to smooth his exit from the club, while Real are attracted by the idea of taking a quality striker who could provide formidable striking cover or even challenge Benzema for a starting position, form and fitness depending.

United are increasingly unlikely to retain Radamel Falcao’s services next season after a disappointing debut Premier League season and have already identified Harry Kane as a key summer target to replace the misfiring Colombia international, though Tottenham insist he is not for sale.