Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo have reached an agreement with his Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua for a possible extension at Old Trafford for another seven months.
The Nigerian striker’s loan deal with Manchester United expires today 31st May and he ought to have returned to his parent club and prepare for the new season, but he made a decision to stay till January 2021 at the dying minutes.
The deal was closed following Manchester United’s agreement to pay a revised loan fee to get the deal over the line on the day Ighalo’s contract was due to expire.
Earlier on Sunday, his agent Atta Aneke hinted that a deal was close by telling Norwegian outfit Nettavisie : “We are nearing agreement with Manchester United on an extended loan.
“The agreement will mean that Ighalo will remain with them until January 2021.”
The deal means he will miss much of the Chinese Super League season, which is due to start in July.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made no secret of his desire to see Ighalo stay at Old Trafford.
“They [Shanghai Shenhua] have been great towards us, his club, and allow him to play for his dream club,” Solskjaer told MUTV .
“It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, maybe with a trophy or two.”
The former Watford striker has been in stunning form for the Red Devils netting four goals in eight appearance after been brought in January as a cover for injured Marcus Rashford.