Manchester United have announced a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Japanese attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa in a deal believed to be worth up to £18m.
The signing is due to be completed by the end of June subject to completing a medical and qualifying for a work permit.
United have moved quickly to sign the attacking player who has had two successful seasons with Dortmund after missing out of Eden Hazard who opted for a move to Chelsea recently rather than either of the Manchester clubs who had also been courting him.
Reports have suggested the midfielder will cost the Old Trafford club an initial £12m with addons bringing the final fee up to a potential £18m depending on success and appearances.
Kagawa arrives with a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder after scoring 13 goals in 31 Bundesliga games as Dortmund clinched the title last season.
Sir Alex Ferguson was present when Dortmund thrashed Bayern Munich 5-2 in the German Cup final a few weeks ago and saw Kagawa score a goal.
Kagawa’s ability to play across midfield and both create and score goals will see him earmarked as a possible long term successor to experienced veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes who will enter their final seasons at Old Trafford in August.