English Premier League club Manchester United is in discussions with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua to explore the possibility of extending the loan spell of Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the revelation when speaking to the club’s the official TV channel, MUTV.
Ighalo, 30, joined United as cover for English forward Marcus Rashford on a loan deal on deadline day in January until the end of this month. He has scored four goals in eight games in all competitions.
“We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club,” Solskajer said.
However, in recent weeks, it appeared that Igahlo may have to return to China as there were plans to start the league in the near future. Meanwhile, the English Premier League appears to be no closer to a return as opinion in the UK remains divided on how to get teams back on the pitch.
The Chinese FA had instructed clubs that they may begin preparing for a new season, which they hope may start in late June or July. Moreover, as things stood, Shanghai Shenhua would only allow Ighalo to remain at United if it is on a permanent deal.
“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,” Solskjaer added.
Ighalo has previously expressed his desire to the current season if it is possible while Solskjaer would prefer to keep Ighalo to help United navigate through a possible run of 18 games in about two months.
