Why Shinji Kagawa to Manchester United Is the Biggest Transfer Rumor of the Week

Shinji Kagawa to Manchester United is the biggest transfer rumor of the week.

Forget Eden Hazard for a minute. Lille's Belgian attacker is too busy changing his mind. And besides, he's received enough attention already for a lifetime.

And for now, let's put Robin van Persie on the back burner. His contract saga will wear on, possibly all summer.

Hulk and Didier Drogba? They're both big names, but their transfers (in Hulk's case, a potential transfer) might not happen for a few more weeks.

No, United's rumored £17 million bid for Kagawa is the week's biggest transfer news. Here's why.

Photo: AP

First off, the two clubs involved are both currently major players in European football. Borussia Dortmund, Kagawa's current club, won Germany's Bundesliga this past season, successfully defending their crown against Bayern Munich.

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Manchester United finished second to Manchester City, and though the Red Devils had a disappointing season, they've never gone long without silverware during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

That's why this deal would be so important. After this past season's disappointment, Ferguson will be looking to rebuild his squad this summer.

Signing Kagawa, if it happens, would serve as the first step in that process—though more moves could be coming.

Goal.com reports:

Reports emerged in Germany on Thursday that United had made a move for Kagawa and sources have confirmed to Goal.com that the club has made a formal bid for the Japan international.

United is believed to be hopeful of wrapping up a quick deal but it is understood that Arsenal's interest remains strong and the Londoners could also submit an offer for a key figure in Dortmund's back-to-back league titles.

Kagawa has only a year remaining on his contract and the Bundesliga club has hinted recently that it will not stand in the way of a transfer this summer.

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What's more, reports have leaked out (via ESPN Soccernet) claiming that next season could be Ferguson's last with United. We've heard that before, but Ferguson is now 70, and retirement would seem feasible—especially if United could send him out with a title in his final campaign.

For that to happen, though, United need reinforcements. Kagawa fits the bill.

According to WhoScored.com, Kagawa completed more than 83 percent of his passes this past season for Dortmund. He scored 13 league goals and provided eight assists.

Numbers like that would help United in their next title push. Now we wait to see if the deal happens.