Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Chicharito Talks and Iker Casillas Rumours

Real Madrid will ask Manchester United for more time to decide on the future of in-form striker Javier Hernandez, according to Jose Felix Diaz of Marca.

Diaz said of Chicharito, "His chances of remaining at Real Madrid were zero a week ago, but his goals and his performances on the pitch have led the Los Blancos executives to ask for more time so that they do not have to make a firm decision by Thursday, as set out in his loan contract signed on 31st August."

Even so, Diaz indicates it is "more likely" the poacher will return to Old Trafford than remain in Spain. He says Madrid President Florentino Perez will "never pay €20 million" for the Mexican and that a new price will need to be negotiated if he's to extend his Bernabeu tenure.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Vitally, Diaz believes Hernandez and United are also happy to extend the deadline before making a decision that suits everyone.

Hernandez has scored four goals and provided one assist in his last quartet of matches for Madrid, per WhoScored.com. This includes a last-minute Champions League quarter-final winner against local rivals Atletico Madrid and a vital brace during Sunday's 4-2 La Liga victory over Celta Vigo.

Before taking advantage of Karim Benzema's injury with a strike against Eibar on April 11, Hernandez's last goal came during the Oct. 18 win over Levante. As such, he is riding a wave of hype that overlooks a player who has remained largely anonymous throughout the season. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been impressed, per the club's Twitter feed:

United manager Louis van Gaal is quoted as having slammed the door on Hernandez's return, per Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star: "Chicharito's future? I have sent him away already. I said the same as I said to [Danny] Welbeck: 'You are again a substitute, and I don't think that is good for you.'"

Clive Mason/Getty Images

BBC Sport highlighted a quote from Hernandez that hints he may wish to stay:

"

Man Utd's Javier Hernandez says his loan club Real Madrid are the "best team in the world": http://t.co/uEQ58N4k1m pic.twitter.com/iOCMCu4Q0j

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 27, 2015"

Madrid need to think exactly how Chicharito will fit into long-term plans before dropping cash on a permanent move. He wouldn't be anywhere near the starting lineup if Benzema and Gareth Bale were fit, meaning the reality of a full-time switch is less glamorous than it seems right now.

Hernandez consistently failed to hold down a starting position at United—where the attacking options aren't so explosive—due to many anonymous performances from the off. If he isn't scoring, he rarely contributes much else.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

The 26-year-old could be brought in via funds freed up by goalkeeper Iker Casillas' potential departure. Onda Cero (h/t George Bellshaw of the Metro) suggests that "Madrid are offering him a generous pay-off to take a move to either Arsenal or Liverpool," a transfer that could aid the club's battle against UEFA's financial fair play rules.

"[Arsenal boss] Arsene Wenger is aware of the situation and will consider a move in the coming weeks," according to Bellshaw.

Both Hernandez and Casillas can be regarded as useful if dispensable players for Madrid. Only Casillas' loyalty has seen him remain at the club so long, as his performances have severely dropped off across the last couple of years.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Hernandez's sudden impact has been extremely useful and makes him an attractive prospect, but he would face the toughest challenge of his career to break into Madrid's first team for an entire season. He's a valuable asset to have on the bench—as United fans will testify—but his recent success shouldn't cloud Madrid's judgement.