Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke says both the German champions and Manchester United want to complete a deal that sees Shinji Kagawa move to Old Trafford.

The Japanese international has refused to sign a contract extension at the German double winners and appears set to leave the club this summer.

United's name has been regularly linked with his services, and when asked about a deal between the two clubs, Watzke says both sides are keen for a deal to be finalise.

Shinji Kagawa
Kagawa has refused to sign a new contract. Reuters

"Both sides want to conclude the deal," he said.

Kagawa, who has just a year remaining on his current contract, scored 13 goals in 29 starts for Dortmund last season, during a campaign where the club claimed the Bundesliga title and German Cup.

He would be expected to plug a gap at the head of United's midfield in an attacking role, alongside Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher or Paul Scholes.

United have missed a genuine goal threat from midfield in recent seasons, but appear to have found a player who is tailor-made for the Premier League.

The signing could spark several moves from manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the transfer window, following a trophy-less 2011/12 campaign at Old Trafford.

Victory on the final day of the season against Sunderland was not enough to deliver a 20<sup>th league title, as Manchester City struck late against Queens Park Rangers.

Ferguson will be keen to keep pace with rivals City and, despite missing out on Eden Hazard who appears likely to join Chelsea, could breathe new life into his midfield which has often been accused of lacking creativity.

Furthermore, with the club's crippling debt, United are under pressure to succeed in the Champions League, with the financial incentive beneficial to helping to pay off the deficit owed by the Glazers.

Having reaped the benefits from having signed Ji-Sung Park, Kagawa's profile in Asia would be an added bonus for the Premier League giants, who recently announced they were the most supported football club in the world.

Market research company Kantar last year found that United's support amounts to 659 million of the world's 7 billion population.

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