West Ham are in pursuit of Borussia Dortmund playmaker Shinji Kagawa, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.
The German newspaper claims that Everton are also interested in the Japan international, who “flirted” with a move to Spain in the January transfer window.
Kagawa, who has played in the Premier League before with Manchester United between 2012 and 2014 with his standout moment scoring a hat-trick against Norwich City, was loaned out by Dortmund in January to Turkish side Besiktas where he scored four goals in just 14 appearances from midfield.
Dortmund manager Lucien Favre is believed to no longer feature Kagawa, whose contract runs until next summer with the German club, but a return to Besiktas in not thought to be on the cards due to the midfielder’s wages, and the Japan international will be looking for a new club this summer.
OPINION
West Ham are looking to increase Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield options this summer, and will be interesting to see who the Hammers manage to sign this summer in a crucial area of the pitch. The Hammers have been somewhat light in terms of midfield options this season, particularly in terms of a more forward thinking midfield player, with both Manuel Lanzini and Jack Wilshere out injured for long spells. That will lead to Pellegrini wanting to ensure he has more creative options next term, and a move for Kagawa might be a useful option for the Chilean. Kagawa offers an experienced presence in the misfield with an eye for goal when arriving late into the penalty area, and the Japan international has also previously played in the Premier League so would not need much time to adjust to the league. Borussia Dortmund are looking to find a buyer this summer for the midfielder meaning that Pellegrini should be able to secure a deal for the player if he wants to bring him to the London Stadium this summer.
