Liverpool have joined fierce rivals Manchester United in the chase for Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa with both clubs preparing bids when the transfer window opens in January talkSPORT understands.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is still keen to add fresh faces to his squad with a midfield playmaker high on his agenda and is prepared to spend big to bring Kagawa to Anfield despite signing Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing in the summer.

Reports coming from Germany suggest Dalglish has already sent scouts to cast their eyes over the Japanese international who is contracted to the Bundesliga side until 2013.

It's thought that Dortmund would be prepared to do business if an offer of £18 million is put on the table for the 22-year-old who is rated as one of the best young midfielders in Europe.

Liverpool have the finances to afford that sort of price tag despite spending over £100 million on players in 2011 but they will face competition from Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus who are also vying for Kagawa's signature.

Rivals United are also thought to be interested in bringing him to the Premier League although Sir Alex Ferguson seems to have cooled his interest in the midfielder which could let Dalglish in.

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