Real Madrid Transfer News: Radamel Falcao Rumours Grow, Javier Hernandez Latest

Real Madrid are ready to "step up" their interest in Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao, writes Ben Jefferson in the Express.

According to the report, Real are considering Falcao as a summer signing amid speculation Karim Benzema "has his heart set" on a move to the Premier League.

Falcao is currently on a season-long loan at United from Monaco after recovering from the serious knee injury he suffered last January. However, injuries have continued to trouble Falcao, who has scored just three goals in 12 Premier League appearances for United, per WhoScored.com.

A decision on whether the Colombian will stay at Old Trafford has yet to be made. In early December, United manager Louis van Gaal indicated he wasn't concerned about whether Falcao was frustrated about his lack of playing time.

"I'm not interested," Van Gaal said in The Telegraph. "He has to follow my philosophy. Do you understand that? Yes, I'm here because of that."

Falcao subsequently spoke out to confirm he would like to join United permanently, telling Ian Ladyman of the Mail Online, "From my point of view, yes I want to stay. Obviously I have to analyse the situation, see if I play more and see what decision the board takes. But from my point of view, I really want to stay."

Real know Falcao well from their previous brushes with the goal machine:

Last week, Jack Wilson of the Daily Star wrote that Van Gaal had given his consent to a £40 million permanent deal for Falcao.

However, the reported interest from Real Madrid could alter the situation, as Falcao would be considered a first-choice start in Carlo Ancelotti's side if Benzema is sold.

Any move to Real for Falcao could also impact the future of Javier Hernandez. The Mexican is currently on loan at Real from United but has started only one game in La Liga. He has scored three goals in eight league games, per WhoScored.com.

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Real coach Ancelotti is unlikely to make Hernandez's move permanent, per Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star, due to his lack of impact so far.

Bleacher Report columnist Karla Villegas Gama believes Hernandez deserves a chance in the second half of the season, though: "Chicharito's first months with the team allowed him to adjust to a well-oiled machine, which is by no means easy. Securing a spot in the starting XI will be easier in upcoming matches because Real Madrid have a hectic schedule."

If Hernandez is not signed permanently by Real, then it appears he has no long-term future back at United either.

Mark Ogden of The Telegraph writes that Van Gaal is planning to sell Hernandez irrespective of whether Falcao signs for United permanently.

Hernandez has shown he can score goals for Real:

For both players, the second half of the season is going to be crucial to their futures. They have built their reputations on being goalscorers.

Falcao has been hampered by fitness issues so far, but two goals in his last four appearances in the Premier League hint at a return to his best form.

If he does demonstrate the prolific form he showed at Porto and Atletico in the coming months for United, then Van Gaal will have an easy decision to make, and he can get in first before Real.

As for Hernandez, while his future at United and Real is uncertain, taking any chances that come his way between now and the end of the season will improve his prospects of joining another big club in the summer.