Ighalo set to return to China

Chinese club, Shanghai Shenhua say they expect Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo to return from his loan spell at Manchester United in time for the start of the new Chinese Super League season, which is scheduled to begin in July.

Manchester United are believed to be interested in extending Ighalo’s loan to cover the end of the Premier League season.

However, the date for the conclusion of the 2019/20 Premier League season is not etched in stone no thanks to the uncertainty generated as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The current situation means that Shanghai Shenhua will only allow Ighalo to remain at Old Trafford on a permanent deal.

Ighalo is valued at around £20m and it is believed that Newcastle United would be interested in Ighalo if their proposed takeover is completed this summer.

The Nigerian attacker had revealed last month there is “no offer on the table yet” from Manchester United over extending his stay at the club beyond his current loan spell, despite manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hinting that a deal could be made.

Ighalo made an encouraging start to life at Manchester United following his surprise Deadline Day move, scoring four times in eight appearances prior to the suspension of the Premier League.

Sky Sports News reported in March that Ighalo had been offered a two-year contract extension by parent club Shanghai worth £400,000 a week.

Ighalo’s current contract expires in December 2022, but Shanghai want to keep him until at least December 2024.