Red Devils likely to extend Nigerian star’s loan deal

Manchester United have been rumoured to be looking to make Odion Ighalo a longer-term part of the cog as they continue to weigh up a permanent move for the Nigerian international, currently on loan from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua in the Chinese Super League.

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The Nigerian striker is set for a return to China at the end of May which could mean he has already played his final game for United after the Premier League went into an indefinite suspension in April – owing to the coronavirus – having halted the season in mid-March. But reports from England are that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to keep hold of the 30-year-old until at least the end of the campaign.

Manchester United have an Odion Ighalo transfer alternative to ...
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made known his intention to keep Odion Ighalo on until the end of the season (Image: Sourced).

This comes as Premier League chiefs are hoping to resume the season in June, a move which has seen United recalling its overseas-based players, with training reported to be on the horizon. Solskjaer is determined to get more depth into his attack as his side continues to launch for Champions League qualification as well as remaining in Europa League and FA Cup contention.

In January, United lost out on top target Erling Braut Haaland, who remains of interest, along with Moussa Dembele and Timo Werner. The United manager intends to sign a centre forward this summer although, like many other teams, United’s spending could be heavily impacted by the financial impact of Covid-19. Ighalo, thus, represents a cut-price option for the club.