Kagawa set for Manchester medical

Shinji Kagawa will fly to England to undergo a medical with Manchester United on Friday.

The Red Devils have agreed a deal to sign the Japanese playmaker from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund this summer, which could eventually be worth over 17 million pounds.

If the 23-year-old passes health checks this week, then the club must wait on a work permit application prior to completing his signing.

There is a chance United may have to launch an appeal if Kagawa is to be granted a UK permit because at present he fails to meet the stringent criteria that guarantees acceptance, as revealed by Goal.com.

A player has to have played in at least 75 per cent of his country’s competitive matches in the last two years – something which Kagawa has not done. However, if he is accepted as an ‘exceptional talent’ it should ensure he eventually gets the paperwork required to move to Old Trafford.

After a medical on Friday, the Dortmund player will leave Manchester at the weekend, by which time it is hoped he will have successfully proved his fitness to the Premier League giants and moved a step closer to securing his future.

Speaking to Goal.com, first team coach Rene Meulensteen hailed the qualities of Kagawa, who the club hope will help them keep pace with champions Manchester City and a revitalised Chelsea side in the race for the title next season.

“I rate Kagawa very highly,” he said.

“He gets behind the opposition in the midfield which means that he can help in possession or be direct in moving forward.

“He can play the ball quick, one touch or two touch and can create chances and score goals.

“He has got the complete package of what you could want from attacking midfielder.”

In two seasons with Dortmund, Kagawa has won the Bundesliga title twice and one German Cup, having made 71 appearances and contributing 29 goals and 15 assists.