Ighalo ‘Very Close’ To Agreeing Man Utd Contract Extension

Odion Ighalo is ‘very close’ to agreeing an extension to his loan at Manchester United, according to his agent.

The 30-year-old, who has scored four goals in eight games for United, is set to return to Shanghai Shenhua when his loan deal expires on May 31.

United have been working to prolong his stay at Old Trafford, with the 2019/20 season expected to end in July due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ighalo’s agent Ladi Salami told FootMercato: “On the one hand, the Super Eagle [Nigerian] feels very good in Manchester with which it is very close to a salary agreement.

“Negotiations with the Chinese are ongoing and are going well.

“On the other hand, in view of the latest regulations in force in the Middle Empire, it is almost impossible to offer such amounts.”

A new Premier League rule allows clubs to agree extensions with their out-of-contract and loan players to complete the current season, which has been suspended since March 13.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hopeful an extension can be agreed with Ighalo and Shanghai Shenhua.

He said: “The loan deal went to the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back.

“We’re in dialogue and hopefully [he can stay]. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allow him to play for his dream club.

“It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, maybe with a trophy or two.

“But at the moment nothing’s been agreed yet. Their league is going to start soon so we are just waiting to see.”