West Ham United are reportedly more likely than Everton to sign Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa.
The Hammers and Toffees have repeatedly been linked with the former Manchester United star (Ahaber).
And now West Ham and Everton have both been linked with the vastly experienced 30-year-old once again.
Hammers repeatedly linked with classy midfielder
Last month Turkish media outlet Takvim reported that Manuel Pellegrini was battling Marco Silva and interest from Germany to sign Kagawa.
Pellegrini is desperate for a box-to-box midfielder this summer as he plots six new signings.
Kagawa spent last season on loan with Besiktas from Borussia Dortmund.
There he scored four goals in 14 games. That kept up his excellent career record of scoring a goal every three games for club and country.
Kagawa cheaper and more lucrative than Gomes?
That’s not to mention the huge number of assists he has also contributed in his 510 career matches to date.
Speculation has been rife that West Ham have seen a bid to sign Andre Gomes from Barcelona rejected (Sky Sports).
Gomes impressed on loan at Everton last season.
And now reports from German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten claim the Hammers have renewed their interest in Kagawa, who is a huge favourite in the Far East.
West Ham are clearly trying to build the club’s brand in that part of the world. Exhibit A is that Pellegrini will be bringing his side there for the Premier League Asia Trophy in pre-season.
Toffees Hammered by Pellegrini?
Kagawa would certainly help in that respect commercially as he has over 4million followers on his social media accounts.
The Ruhr Nachrichten report claims West Ham are the most likely destination for Kagawa as he looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund.
The same report says Everton are already too well-stocked in that position.
A fee is not mentioned but he will undoubtedly cost less than Gomes although the Portuguese is five years younger than Kagawa.
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