Manchester United land Kagawa

Manchester United have made their first signing of the summer after confirming they have “reached agreement” to buy Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund.Negotiations have been on-going with the Japan international for a number of weeks.The deal is subject to a medical and work permit, although this is thought to be a formality.It is not anticipated the deal will be completed until the end of the month as Kagawa is currently on international duty and played in Japan’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying-round victory over Oman at the weekend.“Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the club,” said a United statement.“The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June.“Further details will be announced in due course.”Although the deal, which is expected to cost around £12 million, has been anticipated for some time, it is good news for United. On Monday, Eden Hazard explained why he thought Chelsea had “a better project” than the Red Devils, who lost their Premier League crown to Manchester City in agonising fashion last month.



Kagawa has already done enough in his two seasons in Germany to avoid the fate of Park Ji-Sung, who was initially condemned as a “trophy” signing following his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, designed purely to sell shirts in the lucrative Far East market.

He was named in the Bundesliga’s team of the season for 2010-11 despite being absent through injury for half the campaign.

Kagawa then went on to score 16 goals last term, when Dortmund completed the domestic league and cup double.

Ferguson and assistant Mike Phelan made a personal check on the 23-year-old the day before United’s final match at Sunderland, when they saw Kagawa grab one goal and create another in Dortmund’s 5-2 German Cup triumph over Bayern Munich.

The Japan team are training in Saitama, north of Tokyo, following the weekend win against Oman ahead of two more World Cup qualifiers against Jordan on 8 June and Australia on 12 June.

“I haven’t signed a contract yet, we still have two games left and the entire team is focused on these qualifiers,” Kagawa said. “I’ll talk about all of this once I am done here. I hope people will understand.”

Defender Rio Ferdinand was quick to offer his best wishes on Twitter. “Welcome to Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to Man Utd,” he said. “Here’s to a succesful [sic] time here bro!”

Dortmund wished Kagawa continued success at United. “He made huge contributions to the team over what has been a successful two years,” Dortmund director Michael Zorc said.

“We hope he continues to do well.”

Japanese Star set to join Manchester United

Manchester United are set to sign Shinji Kagawa after Borussia Dortmund confirmed he will leave as he has snubbed a new contract offer.The German champions have revealed that the Japan international playmaker, whose 13 goals in 30 games helped them retain their Bundesliga title this season, will be departing to play in England this summer after he missed their deadline to sign a new deal which would have extended his stay until summer 2016.Sporting director Michael Zorc revealed last week that, while they do not want to sell Kagawa, they would listen to offers if the player was adamant that he wants to leave.And, on Thursday evening, Zorc confirmed: "Shinji is going to play in England because he has officially rejected our offer of a new contract."
It is being reported that United will win the race to sign Kagawa and have offered him a three-year contract at Old Trafford worth £5 million a year.

Manchester United and Chelsea eye Dortmund midfeilder

Manchester United and Chelsea are chasing Dortmund midfielder, Shinji Kagawa, according the German newspaper, Bild.The Japanese International only joined the Bundesliga leaders in the summer, but he has been in superb form since his move from Cerezo Osaka. He has already hit 8 goals in the league and even smashed in two against arch-rivals, Schalke, quickly making him a fan favourite.
Kagawa is currently away with Japan playing in the Asia Cup. Given the current circumstances, it is unlikely that a January transfer might occur, but Chelsea and United may be looking to line-up a summer swoop if the 21-year-old continues to impress.
Manchester United are no strangers to dealing with Asian stars, the progression of Ji-Sung Park at Old Trafford has been a triumph. The advantage of having world-wide stars is not only for their talent and ability, but also their marketability. The inclusion of Park in the United team has helped promote the club in Korea and the potential signing of Kagawa could do the same in Japan.