Rumour: Shinji Kagawa may take Turkish escape route

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa’s career at Old Trafford looks to be drawing to a close, with the Japan international likely to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 24 year old has been heavily linked with a return to former side Borussia Dortmund, but reports in The Express now suggest that Turkish side Besiktas are also interested in a move for the playmaker.

Kagawa has struggled for consistent game time at United since his 2012 move from Dortmund. He made 20 appearances in his debut season at the club, under former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, often out of position on the left hand side.

Things have not improved for the Japan international following the club’s managerial change and David Moyes has handed him just nine Premier League appearances this season.

While Kagawa has impressed sporadically during his time at the club, the arrival of Juan Mata has shifted him further down the midfield pecking order and his departure seems inevitable.

A move to Besiktas would be a coup for the Turkish side, particularly in the face of competition from Dortmund.

Kagawa’s former club would be favourites for his signature should both sides firm up their reported interest, particularly as United are said to be keen on using Kagawa as a makeweight in a deal for Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan.

Kagawa has created just five chances for United this season, the same amount that Juan Mata managed in a single game against Fulham earlier in the month.