Real Madrid target Fernando Llorente to replace Manchester United loanee Chicharito

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has targeted Juventus striker Fernando Llorente as his first choice to fill the gap left by the departure of Manchester United star Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, according to Spanish TV station La Sexta.

Hernandez spent 2014-2015 at the Santiago Bernabeu after Real Madrid agreed a one year loan deal with the Premier League giants for the Mexico international to back up Karim Benzema, following the departure of Alvaro Morata to Juventus.

But even though Hernandez ended the season on a high, scoring crucial goals during their Champions League campaign, the player himself confirmed earlier this month that Real Madrid had opted against activating a clause to secure his services permanently.

And while the Mexico international's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, La Sexta reports that Benitez has identified Llorente as the perfect replacement.

They add that the Spanish international striker is also keen on making the move as, following the signing of Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid, his playing time at the Serie A giants will be restricted.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have confirmed the arrival of Lucas Vazquez from Espanyol after the club exercised a repurchase option to bring the young winger back to the Bernabeu following his impressive spell with the Catalan side.

"Real Madrid have exercised their buy-back contract rights over Lucas Vazquez in our agreement with Espanyol. The player will remain tied to our club for the next five seasons," the side confirmed.

Following a season without silverware, Los Blancos are expected to spend big in the summer transfer window.

However, while the Spanish giants are still negotiating the arrival of David de Gea from Manchester United, their only additions so far have been Vazquez himself, Brazilian right-back Danilo and Casemiro, who returned to the Bernabeu after the club also exercised a buy-back option to secure his services after impressing Benitez during his time at Porto.

Meanwhile, Denis Cheryshev has returned to the Bernabeu after a loan spell at Villarreal, while promising youngsters Marcos Asensio and Martin Odegaard are expected to be loaned out, having being signed from Mallorca and Stromsgodset respectively during the 2014-2015 campaign.