United misfit Kagawa lined up for Dortmund return in swap deal for Subotic.

Shinji Kagawa’s disappointing time at Manchester United could be coming to an end in January with a swap deal lined up involving the Japan international and former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Neven Subotic, claim Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

Kagawa, 24, arrived at Old Trafford from Dortmund in a £17million deal in the summer of 2012 but has failed to hold down a regular first-team place under Sir Alex Ferguson and his successor David Moyes.

Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has been outspoken in his criticism of United’s handling of Kagawa and he is known to be keen to bring the fans’ favourite back to the club.

Misfit: Shinji Kagawa has failed to make an impression under David Moyes at United

Back line: Moyes would welcome Neven Subotic (left) as he searches for defensive replacements

Moyes is keen to bolster his defensive options in the transfer window and A Bola report that a bid for Kagawa would be welcomed if the highly-rated Subotic moves in the other direction.

Serbian international Subotic, 24, was a key part of the Dortmund side that reached last year’s Champions League final.

With Rio Ferdinand nearing the end of his United career Moyes wants to bring in a young centre back to compete with the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans for a starting place, and 6ft 4in Subotic fits the bill.