ODION IGHALO has agreed a loan extension with Manchester United until the end of January.
The agreement with his parent club Shanghai Shenhua officially expired on Sunday night, and it appeared as though United had failed in a bid to keep the striker at the club.
Odion Ighalo has agreed a loan extension with Manchester United until the end of JanuaryCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrives at Carrington for trainingCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Ighalo swapped the Chinese Super League for the Premier League in a shock deadline day loan deal back in January
But both sides have now reached an agreement for the 30-year-old to stay in Manchester until the new year, United confirmed.
In a statement the club said they hoped the extension would allow Ighalo “to build on an impressive start to life with the club he supported as a boy”.
It is claimed Ighalo will then discuss a new contract with Shanghai Shenhua once he returns in 2021.
The news comes after his agent Atta Aneke confirmed talks were in place for the ex-Watford man to remain at Old Trafford.
Aneke told Nettavisen: “We are nearing an agreement with Manchester United on an extended loan.
“The agreement will mean that Ighalo will remain with them until January 2021.”
Ighalo swapped the Chinese Super League for the Premier League in a shock deadline day loan deal back in January.
And it is understood Ighalo took a 40 per cent pay-cut on his £300,000-a-week wages in China to make his dream switch happen.
He scored four goals in eight games before the season was suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic – leaving his loan contract to run out.
The Nigerian made a personal plea to Shanghai Shenhua to let him finish the season at Old Trafford, before returning to China, and it appears his wishes have been met.
Ighalo was pictured arriving for training for the first time since his loan extension was confirmed.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, now given a timely boost with the football season resuming on June 17, followed as he pulled into Carrignton.
Team-mates including Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire were also pictured arriving for training.
Captain Harry Maguire arrives for trainingCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Paul Pogba arrives in style in his yellow FerrariCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Bruno Ferrnandes pulls into the training ground in his MiniCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Spanish keeper…… David De Gea arrives for workCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Jesse Lingard drives his Mercedes into CarringtonCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Man Utd star Odion Ighalo planning to ask God if he should stay at Old Trafford but reveals he is yet to have an offer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
