From the bench to legitimate transfer rumors, that has been the path of Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez. According to the Guardian, Real Madrid now have less than 24 hours to decide whether they want to buy Hernandez permanently from Manchester United.
Per the report, the open market will be able to bid on his services should Madrid pass.
One new wrinkle working in Hernandez's favor is the possibility of a transfer embargo for the next two windows. Radio show El Larguero (via ESPN FC) claimed on Tuesday that both Real and Atletico Madrid have committed illegal youth transfers similar to those that saw Barcelona banned from signing players until January 2016.
In a statement, Real Madrid categorically denied the allegations.
"The reports are absolutely false, as born witness to by the Spanish Federation itself having denied to different media outlets that Real Madrid is involved in any irregularity in the signing of underage players," the statement said. "Real Madrid reiterates that it has always complied scrupulously with FIFA's rules, as was detailed in the statement of January 26."
"Real Madrid again regrets the publication of these reports, some of which are ill-intentioned, whose only objective is to involve the club in supposed infractions which in no case have been committed."
"Madrid reiterates once again its total commitment to the defense, protection and proper and healthy development of minors and, in consequence, reaffirms its total support for the content and strict following of FIFA's rules in this area."
Barcelona issued a similar statement in 2014, but to no avail. With a decision looming, securing a productive striker beforehand is increasingly plausible for Madrid.
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