Borussia Mönchengladbach is stepping up its attempts to sign Shuto Machino from Holstein Kiel. Machino made a strong impression on the club's management by netting two goals in a recent match against them. He holds the title of Kiel's top scorer in the Bundesliga this season with eleven goals. Negotiations could be smoother if Holstein Kiel faces relegation; otherwise, a transfer fee of around four million Euros would be necessary. Machino's contract with Kiel is valid until 2027. Borussia had already shown interest in Machino before his impressive performance, but his recent display has strengthened their resolve to pursue him. The good relationship between Borussia's sporting director Roland Virkus and Holstein Kiel, demonstrated by last summer's signing of Kiel captain Philipp Sander, might aid the transfer talks.