Abe dreams of Dortmund move

Abe: Linked with Dortmund

Yuki Abe's agent, Roberto Tsukuda, has heightened rumours that the Urawa Reds defender is set for a move to Borussia Dortmund by stating he 'dreams to play in Europe'.

Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp is determined to move into the transfer market to find cover for injury-hit captain Sebastian Kehl.

Kehl has not played since having surgery on his groin in May and is not expected back until February after undergoing another operation on the troublesome area last month.

Like Kehl, the Urawa Reds defender is equally at home in midfield as he is at the back and playing in the Bundesliga is not an opportunity Abe would turn down, according to Tsukuda.

"Playing in Europe is a dream for many players in Japan," he said.

"This is no different with Abe. He would love to move abroad."

The Japan international's current contract with Urawa expires at the end of the year meaning he will soon be available on a free transfer.