United tracking Kagawa?

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a 15 million-pound move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

The Japan midfielder has scored an impressive eight goals in 17 appearances since joining the Bundesliga side at the start of the season, sparking rumours of a move to the English Premier League.

The News of the World claims that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been following the 21-year-old since his move from Cerezo Osaka.

He is reportedly being considered as a long-term replacement for ageing stalwart Paul Scholes.

United are believed to have scouts observing Kagawa at the Asian Cup in Qatar, where Japan face Saudi Arabia and Syria following a 1-1 draw with Jordan in their opening match.

Kagawa has already been recognised for his exploits in Germany, winning Kicker magazine’s award for the top discovery of the Bundesliga season.

He received 29.3 percent of the vote after 286 of his fellow professionals were polled for their choice.