Nigerian Odion Ighalo is not returning to Shanghai Shenhua so soon, as he has agreed an extension of his loan deal with Manchester United until end of January 2021.
The deal, now awaiting English FA approval was confirmed by United on Monday.
“Manchester United have reached agreement with Shanghai Greenland Shenhua to extend the loan deal for Odion Ighalo”, the club said on their website.
“The Nigerian striker’s stay was initially due to end on 31 May but he will now remain with the Reds until 31 January 2021, enabling him to build on an impressive start to life with the club he supported as a boy.
“Ighalo’s tally of four goals in eight appearances so far includes at least one strike in each of his three starts – against Club Brugge, Derby County (2) and LASK.
“Today’s confirmation is a timely boost for United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as he continues to prepare his squad for this month’s resumption of competitive football”, the club added.
United agreement with Ighalo’s parent club Shanghai Shenhua officially expired on Sunday night.
The Telegraph had first reported that both sides have agreed for the 30-year-old to stay in Manchester until the new year.
The newspaper said Ighalo will discuss a new contract with Shanghai Shenhua once he returns in 2021.
Ighalo’s agent Atta Aneke had also hinted that 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.