Although Chelsea did not put in an official cash offer, they are understood to have felt that it was worth sounding out United given the wealth of forwards they have following the signing of Robin van Persie
In stark contrast, Chelsea badly lack options up front after the departure of Didier Drogba. Fernando Torres is the only true striker in Roberto Di Matteo's squad, making the signing of a back-up forward for an anticipated 4-2-3-1 formation essential. Their enquiry, however, was quickly turned away by United.
Chelsea's approach was also prompted by the fact there had already been some doubt about Hernandez's Old Trafford future given Van Persie's arrival and the likelihood of less playing time, with Aston Villa recently rumoured to be one potential destination. Alex Ferguson, however, made a point of mentioning the Mexican's name when talking about his striking options after the signing of Van Persie.
Ferguson told reporters: "My situation now is I have the possibility that I can play [Wayne] Rooney through, Van Persie through, Chicharito [Javier Hernandez] through and I've got Danny Welbeck, who can play through... we also have young Federico Macheda, who is only 20 years old and still improving."
For his part, Hernandez was quoted recently as saying "there are parts of your life when you're going to have competition. Having that competition in the team can be good. I will be ready when the manager wants me to play." Certainly, it seems that the manager wants him to stay.
Chelsea were in some way correct, though, as United are certainly prepared to sell one of their strikers: Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian was notably not mentioned in Ferguson's press conference and the club have been trying to find a buyer all summer. So far, though, no serious interest has been forthcoming.
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