It became very clear when Louis van Gaal stated that Shinji Kagawa didn’t meet his expectations, the Japanese would be heading towards Old Trafford exit door.

Kagawa is a conundrum. He was a phenomenal hit during his time at Borussia Dortmund, but never really hit the ground running at Manchester United. Many feel, he hasn’t been used properly. Played out of position, the club didn’t play according to his strengths and wasn’t given proper time to settle.

He is now close to returning back to his old club. German tabloid Bild claim that Manchester United are demanding a fee in the region of €10m (€8m direct payment and €2m on bonuses), they add nothing new to what GDM reported last night, but they add the Japan international is expected to undergo his medical today. 

Kagawa’s representative Thomas Kroth has refused to comment on the matter, while Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp didn’t give much hints either. Klopp said about a possible move yesterday: “I would not rule anything now complete. I would not bet on it though.”

Another German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten claim that a group of BVB fans were in full party mood gathered in front of the Miners’ Hospital in Dortmund-Brackel for the reception of Kagawa. The newspaper claim Dortmund’s ‘prodigal son’ is close to return back to the club where he achieved fame and glory during his two years’ stay. 

La Liga giants Valencia were also thought to be interested in Kagawa. Valencia’s local newspaper Superdeporte claim that Manchester United had agreed a deal with them over the transfer of Kagawa, but the player turned down the move as he prefers to return back to his old club.