West Bromwich Albion are set to rival Besiktas for Japanese playmaker and former Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa this summer, according to Turkish outlet Sabah. 

The Baggies' new head coach Slaven Bilic is looking to build a team that can challenge for automatic promotion from the Championship next season, after taking charge at the Hawthorns earlier this month.

Kagawa spent the second half of last season on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas from Borussia Dortmund, where he scored four goals in 14 appearances.

Besiktas are hoping to re-sign the 30-year-old on a permanent deal this summer, but Turkish outlet Sabah are reporting that they will face competition from West Brom.

Kagawa scored six goals in 57 appearances for Manchester United after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2012, but struggled to make an impact at times throughout his two-year spell at Old Trafford.

The Japan midfielder then returned to Borussia Dortmund, where he has remained since, but it seems as though he could be leaving the club this summer.

The Verdict

This would be a fantastic signing for West Brom, if Bilic can somehow persuade Kagawa to move to the Hawthorns.

He's a very talented player and even though he struggled throughout his time at Manchester United, he should be able to make an instant impact in the Championship.

However, it seems West Brom may struggle to convince Kagawa to sign for them though, as he is not thought to be keen to play in the Championship next season.

He's an extremely gifted player though and if West Brom are able to sign him, they might not be a Championship team for too much longer.