Brighton signing Kaoru Mitoma admits former Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa is an inspiration.

Mitoma hopes to make the same impact with Japan's football fans.

“All football fans in Japan are aware of the Premier League and how high the level is, they recognise that it's the best league in the world, and there are a lot of star players," he told Brighton's website.

“The quality of play is obviously very high, which Japanese football fans are particularly aware of. Shinji Kagawa being a part of Manchester United was a big thing in Japan. I hope to have as much success as my fellow Japanese predecessors in the Premier League or other European leagues.

“I want to turn people's attention to players in Japan. Fans who watch the Premier League know how Brighton play, and they love a possession-based style. I hope to be able to fit in with that style of play and I am looking forward to joining the team."

Kagawa is now playing in Greece with PAOK.