Javier Hernandez
Hernandez on Monaco's radar, reports suggest.

Monaco have identified Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez as the man to ease the pressure on the club following the long term injury to Radamel Falcao, reports suggest.

Colombia international Falcao will miss the remainder of the season and is now a real doubt for the World Cup after undergoing surgery for a damaged anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered last Wednesday.

Doctors are hopeful the 27-year-old will recover in time for the summer's finals in Brazil but in the meantime Monaco's quest to dislodge Paris Saint Germain at the summit of French football has suffered a telling blow.

Despite Falcao's absence, Claudio Ranieri's side decided to go ahead and sanction Lacina Traore's loan move to Everton, having just signed the Ivory Coast international from Anzhi.

In a bid to restore some firepower to the side, a number of reports from across the continent including Portugal's A Bola suggest the Ligue 1 giants will now investigate the possibility of bringing Hernandez to the principality to fill the void left by the absence of their record signing Falcao.

The Mexican international's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain as his struggles to nail down a consistent first team spot have continued, having found himself in David Moyes' starting XI on just four occasions in the Premier League this season.

The news that Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney could both return against Cardiff City on Tuesday evening is likely to force the 25-year-old further down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Reports suggest that Monaco are aware of Hernandez's discontent in Manchester and may enquire into his availability before the transfer window closes on Friday.

Although the signing of Juan Mata from Chelsea doesn't see a direct form of competition for starting berths arrive at the club, it could indicate tactical and formation adjustments that further limit Hernandez's game time.

The Spain international was officially unveiled by the club on Monday afternoon and Moyes indicated his newest acquisition could make his debut against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side on Tuesday.