With the Yankees looking for a starting pitcher, Brian Cashman said Monday he has spoken with the representative for Japanese lefty free agent Yusei Kikuchi.

“I spoke to Scott Boras about Kikuchi,’’ Cashman said. “He is a starting pitcher who is obviously transitioning to the United States and we have scouted extensively.’’

Those talks occurred prior to Cashman arriving at the winter meetings Sunday.

J.A. Happ is a strong candidate to re-up with the Yankees, who have also been linked to deals with the Indians for Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer.

Kikuchi, 27, went 14-4 with a 3.08 ERA in 33 starts for the Seibu Lions this past season.