Man Utd could lose Odion Ighalo next week as Shanghai Shenhua want him back

Odion Ighalo's Man Utd dream could be coming to an abrupt and premature end as parent club Shanghai Shenhua are demanding he returns to China for pre-season training.

The Nigerian striker had made a significant impact since joining his boyhood club on loan in January, scoring four times in three starts.

Despite originally being brought in as a back-up option, Ighalo's form has led to suggestions United could make attempts to keep him on their books long-term.

However he may not get another chance to impress as Shenhua want him back.

Ighalo's current contract with United expires on May 31, with the Premier League not expected to restart until mid-late June.

United were hopeful of retaining Ighalo's services for their remaining fixtures, though talks are now at a standstill.

Shenhua have not played since December due to their domestic season being postponed as a result of coronavirus, which was due to start in February, but will now behing next month.

Despite allowing Ighalo to leave on loan, Shenhua have always been keen for the 30-year-old to return to the club.

They offered him a two-year contract extension earlier this year worth £400,000 per week, but Ighalo would rather stay at Old Trafford.

It was reported that Shenhua would be willing to accept a fee of £20million to part company with Ighalo, but as yet there have been no discussions over a permanent switch.

Moreover, United would still have to agree on a loan extension to be able to keep him for the rest of the season before the next transfer window reopens.

United paid £3million to loan Ighalo and are contributing almost half of his £300k-per-week wage, which was deemed a wise investment at the time.

Since then though Marcus Rashford has had time to rehabilitate from a back injury and is nearing a return, diminishing Ighalo's importance to boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer which, coupled with the contract wrangle with Shenhua, could bring his time at United to a close.

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