Kagawa to fly into Manchester for United medical
The Japan international playmaker will hope to move a step closer
towards officially joining the Red Devils when he jets into England on
Friday
EXCLUSIVE
By Chris Myson
Shinji Kagawa will fly to England to undergo a medical with Manchester United on Friday, Goal.com understands.
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.
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,
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 last week, 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.
Source : Goal.com
