Shanghai Shenhua expect Odion Ighalo to return in July

According to Sky Sports, Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua expect on-loan striker Odion Ighalo to return to the club in July.

The Nigerian joined the Red Devils on loan last January. He has impressed since making the move to United, prompting talk of a permanent deal being eked out.

The 30-year-old has scored four goals and one assist in eight appearances for United. His performances have lent relief to a United frontline crippled by the injury to ace striker Marcus Rashford.

According to the report, the Nigerian is set to be summoned back to China in July, in time for the Chinese Super League season. With the current season delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, such a decision could prove detrimental to us.

It appears as if the only way to keep the striker at the club is to sign him permanently. Such a deal is set to cost the club around £20million.

With the transfer window not due to open until the end of the season, signing the 30-year-old will require his loan to be extended, as well as a pre-contract agreement to be in place. Ighalo would then be able to officially complete the switch when the window reopens in the summer.

The striker’s excellent displays have also caught the attention of Newcastle United if their proposed takeover goes ahead.

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Ighalo’s contract in China lasts up to 2022. Shanghai Shenhua are keen to extend his stay and