Japan and Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa is back on Manchester United's radar after returning from a four-month layoff with a foot injury, a report said on Monday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side is planning to send a team of scouts to follow the 22-year-old attacking midfielder at Dortmund games next season, the Japanese daily Nikkan Sports said.

"His goal of joining a big club may be realized within this year at the earliest," the daily said.

Kagawa, who scored eight goals in 17 Bundesliga games after moving from J-League side Cerezo Osaka at the start of last season but broke his right foot in January, is keen to play for the English Premier League champion.