Everton have become surprising contenders for the signature of Japanese attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa.
The former Manchester United player is understood to be surplus to requirements following the appointment of new head coach Thomas Tuchel, who is looking to put his own stamp on proceedings at the Westfalenstadion.
Kagawa had his first taste of Premier League action in 2012. The Japanese international completed a move worth £20million pounds and came with a big reputation as well as expectations from the Bundesliga.
Kagawa was mis-used at Old Trafford
The attacking midfielder was expected to play just behind Wayne Rooney in the Manchester United attack, however the arrival of Robin van Persie pushed Kagawa down the pecking order and the rest is history.
Kagawa was forced out wide in the little time he was at Old Trafford, scoring only six goals in his first season and failing to net at all in the 2013-14 campaign - seeing thim return to the Bundesliga with Jürgen Klopp giving him an escape route.
Jurgen Klopp's influence
Klopp has always been a fan of Kagawa and it is easy to see why: he is quick, skillful and has a great eye for goal. It took the 26-year-old time to acclimatize to life back in Germany, but he looked to had finally found his feet at the end of the season, scoring five goals and five assists.
Kagawa cost Dortmund £6.3million pounds to re-sign the Japan international and it is expected that he would fetch a similar fee if he is to return to the Premier League.
The need for a creative midfielder
Roberto Martinez is understood to be in the market for a creative midfielder and the Dortmund playmaker would be ideal for what Everton require. Striker Romelu Lukaku was starved of service last season and this is an issue that will need addressing if the blue half of Merseyside are to have a progressive campaign.