Manchester United continues to look to improve their squad in order to make a major push to reclaim the Premier League trophy and return to the latter stages of the Champions League next season
Chief executive David Gill has stated that there is money to spend at Old Trafford this summer and Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to once again do the bulk of his business early in the transfer window.
One of the first deals that could go through is that for Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa. The attacking midfielder looks certain to leave the German double winners this summer with just a year left remaining on his contract.
And United is widely reported to be in pole position for his signature. Ferguson was in attendance to watch Kagawa first hand in the German cup final on Saturday and Kagawa has confirmed that he met with the United boss.
"It was good to meet and actually talk to him," the Japaninternational said, according to the Guardian. "He had some nice things to say to me."
"There's no timetable on my decision. I've been in touch with a number of clubs, and I can't say which one is the best for me yet. But I want to go to a team where it'll be challenging for me. It'd be nice if I end up playing in the Premier League."
There is also encouraging news on Wednesday about another creative player long coveted by United. Luka Modric has been on the shortlist to improve United's midfield since at least last summer and it is rumored that the club could reignite their interest this time around.
After a long-running saga last year with Tottenham denying Modric's wish to move to Chelsea, the Croatia international maybe about to reassert his desire to leave.
"I will decide about my future after the Euros," Modric said, according to the Daily Mirror. "I will make the decision where to continue my career. I'm ready for the big tests."
United has also been linked with another high-profile signing of late in Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao. Though signing the prolific Colombian remains a long-shot, he was asked recently about the various clubs, including United, that are said to be interested in his signature.
Manchester United or Chelsea?" he was asked, according to Tribal Football.
"Atletico," Falcao replied.
"Real Madrid or Barcelona?" the interviewer then probed.
"Atletico," he again responded.
There may be more encouraging news in United's alleged pursuit of another striker, however. Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski has opened the door to a move away from the Westfalenstadion by suggesting that he may be ready to seek a fresh challenge.
The Poland international has hit 30 goals this season and is said to be in high demand, with United and Bayern Munich said to be leading the chase.
"Of course I've heard about Bayern's interest," Lewandowski said, according to TalkSport. "I do not know what will happen in two months.
"I've also thought, What more can I accomplish with Dortmund? Difficult."
United could also be set for a battle with German opposition for Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. The 22-year-old has impressed in captaining his side to the verge of the Ligue 1 title and was included in France's preliminary squad for Euro 2012 on Tuesday.
And TalkSport reports that Borussia Monchengladbach is now pursuing Yanga-Mbiwa, who is also sought after by United along with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle.
