Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Will Shinji Kagawa Depart Old Trafford During Upcoming Winter Transfer Window?

As Manchester United continues to figure out ways to improve their table standing in the Barclays Premier League while also staying competitive in the UEFA Champions League, supporters of the team and international soccer fans in general are casually monitoring rumors concerning the upcoming winter transfer window. With the possibility existing that multiple players from various teams and leagues across the globe could be on the move come late December, fans at Old Trafford are particularly interested in what the future holds for attacking midfielder and Japanese star Shinji Kagawa.

The 24-year-old Kobe, Japan native joined Man U in 2012 after two seasons with Borussia Dortmund while also serving as a key member of the Japanese national team. Despite the fact that Kagawa is heavily relied upon during international competition - with his Japan side clinching another berth at the 2014 World Cup - many believe the youngster could be on the move, with various reports indicating that his services are wanted by German Bundesliga affiliate Wolfsburg. Recently signing former Bayern Munich defender Luiz Gustavo, the German club is no stranger to transfer period success and they hope to continue their luck this coming winter.

"We want to do reasonable transfers, just like with Luiz Gustavo" Wolfsburg manager Klaus Allofs said. "That was exceptional in terms of transfer fee and dimension. We want to continue a selective reinforcement of our squad. Not in heave-ho style. If such players are possible, you of course think about them. But we should not raise the hopes of our fans. In the end they comment: 'Once again, you failed to sign him."

Struggling to find consistency in the Premier League, Kagawa does have a history of success in the prestigious German league so it certainly make sense that at least one team in the league - especially a team in Wolfsburg who finished 11^th last year and who currently sits 6^th - would have a significant level of interest in the player.

In addition to coveting Kagawa, Wolfsburg is also said to be interested in Chelsea's Kevin de Bruyne, who seems to have fallen out of favor with Jose Mourinho's squad.

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