Ighalo’s stay at Man United likely to end next week

Odion Ighalo, former Super Eagles forward, looks set to leave Manchester United next week after Shanghai Shenhua, his parent club, reportedly refused to extend the striker’s loan deal.

The 30-year-old Nigerian was signed to his boyhood club by Ole Gunnar Solskjær on a temporary contract on the final day of the January transfer window.

He has also proved a success, scoring four times after eight appearances for the Old Trafford giant. His loan spell, however, looks to end next week with his initial deal only penned until May 31.

According to Daily Mail UK, Shenhua have rejected United’s requests to keep the player for another three months with the Asian club requesting that the former Watford star rejoin them to prepare for the start of the delayed Chinese Super League season.

United are keen to keep Ighalo until the end of this season and have held discussions with Shenhua about extending the loan deal.

It is understood that Shenhua would only be willing to accept a fee of £20 million to part ways with Ighalo, even though a permanent deal has not been discussed.

The development came after Gary Neville, a former United defender, had warned Solkjaer against signing the Nigerian for £20 million.

The original agreement between both clubs was to cover the end of the season but with the campaign postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis, Ighalo would likely be missing the remaining nine Premier League games, coupled with the FA Cup and Europa League matches.

Ighalo had earlier made it clear that he would love to finish the season at Old Trafford.