Nigerian Striker Odion Ighalo, 30, who was signed on a short-term loan deal in January as cover for striker Marcus Rashford, looks set to return to China when his loan deal expires on 31 May.
Premier League giant Manchester United are struggling to agree to an extension with Shanghai Shenhua, Football Sierra Leone understands.
Following the impact of the coronavirus, Ighalo’s loan will end before the Premier League’s Intended June return date, by which time Rashford is also expected to be fit.
United have already decided not to sign Ighalo permanently, but have not given up hope of getting a short extension to his loan.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would like him for the rest of the season, given they are still in three competitions and could play up to 18 games in just over two months.
A lifelong United fan who has scored four goals in eight appearances for the club, Ighalo wants to stay at Old Trafford if possible.
However, negotiations with Shanghai have proved difficult, with the Chinese Super League club insistent the player returns as planned.
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