ODION IGHALO’S parent club have reportedly softened their stance on extending his Manchester United deal in a huge boost for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The striker’s six-month loan move at Old Trafford from Shanghai Shenhua expires on Sunday.
The two clubs need to reach an agreement over the 30-year-old’s future this weekend or he will return to China.
Shanghai have been reluctant to extend his stay in England, but ESPN claim the club are now softening their stance.
Ighalo has reportedly made a personal plea to the Chinese Super League side to let him stay with United.
And Solskjaer has made it clear he wants the striker to stick around until the end of the season.
Earlier this week, the manager told MUTV: “The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back.
“We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club.
“It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, hopefully win a trophy for us.
“At the moment, nothing has been agreed.
“The league is going to get started soon so we’re just waiting to see.”
It has now been confirmed that the Premier League will make its long-awaited return on Wednesday 17 June.
Ighalo has been training with his team-mates at Carrington this week as they look to get back to match fitness after lockdown.
Reports have claimed Shanghai will let him stay at United if he signs a new deal with them first.
He has proved his potential in England after scoring four goals and making one assist in eight games.
