Reus is widely regarded as one of the mostoutstanding young players in Europe

Manchester United are weighing up an ambitious move in January for Marco Reus, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, as part of a deal that could lead to Shinji Kagawa returning to the German club.

The Barclays Premier League champions are keen to strengthen their squad and have identified Reus as one of several leading targets whom they believe could address their shortage of goals from midfield.

Reus, an attacking midfielder who can also operate out wide, scored 19 times for Dortmund last season and is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding young players in Europe.

The 24-year-old, who has 3½ years left to run on a contract that is reported to include a buy-out clause of €35 million (about £29 million), also has seven