Odion Ighalo agrees loan extension at Manchester United until January 2021

Odion Ighalo has reportedly agreed to extend his Manchester United contract until the end of January 2021.

The Nigerian striker’s loan deal from Shanghai Shenua was set to come to an end today, but United have been able to extend it into next year, according to The Telegraph.

They claim the deal is now awaiting confirmation from the FA for registration.

‘The agreement will mean that Ighalo will remain with them until January 2021.’

United will pay a portion of Ighalo’s wages and a fee to Shanghai. His new contract in China will be discussed after his United loan ends.

The 30-year-old has proved a hit at Old Trafford since his temporary move earlier this year, and has scored four times in eight appearances.

Ighalo’s agent, Atta Aneke, revealed on Sunday that a deal was close to being agreed between the two parties.

‘We are nearing agreement with Manchester United on an extended loan,’ Aneke told Norwegian outlet Nettavisen.

Sportsmail understands Ighalo’s loan fee has been a problem for United.

With the deal reportedly going through, the Nigeria international will miss a large chunk of the new Chinese Super League season, which is due to start in July.

Ighalo initially joined Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United in a shock deadline-day move in January after the club had missed out on signing Norwegian star Erling Haaland to Borussia Dortmund.

His memorable strikes so far in a United shirt have included a stunning volley in the Europa League win over LASK Linz as well as a double in the FA Cup against Derby to help his side through to the quarter-final stage.

Ighalo’s current contract in China expires in December 2022, but Shanghai reportedly want to keep him until at least December 2024.

The news comes a few days after Solskjaer admitted his desire to keep the Nigerian beyond the expiration of his current loan.

‘We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, allowing him to play,’ the Norwegian said.

‘It’s been a dream for him. Hopefully he can finish off what he started, maybe with a trophy or two.’