Odion Ighalo personally intervenes during Man Utd loan talks

Odion Ighalo has asked Shanghai Shenhua to be allowed to remain on loan with Manchester United for the remainder of the Premier League season, according to reports.

The Nigerian striker made a surprise move to United in the January transfer window but his loan agreement only runs until May 31.

Ighalo is due to return to China at the end of this month but United are keen for the striker to remain at Old Trafford after impressing during his short time at the club.

Shanghai Shenhua, however, are demanding £20 million for Ighalo to join United permanently and want the striker to return to them as the new Chinese Super League season, which was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, is due to begin in late June or early July.

According to Manchester Evening News, Ighalo has now personally asked Shanghai Shenhua if he can remain at United until their season is completed.

Ighalo’s attitude has been praised by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while the 30-year-old has eased the burden on United’s attack with four goals in eight appearances since his arrival.

Ighalo has trained with his United teammates at Carrington this week and it’s now understood that United are still hopeful that an agreement can be reached with Shanghai Shenhua.

‘The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back,’ Solskjaer said on Tuesday.

‘We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club.

‘It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, hopefully with a trophy for us. At the moment, nothing has been agreed.

‘Their league is going to get started soon so we’re just waiting to see.’

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