Manchester United boost in pursuit of extending Ighalo loan spell

Shanghai Shenhua have softened their stance over Odion Ighalo's future to hand Manchester United a boost in their pursuit of extending his loan spell, claims ESPN.

United signed Ighalo on a short-term transfer in January but agreed to release the forward back to Shanghai Shenhua one-month earlier than most loan deals.

The Red Devils agreed to let Ighalo return to China at the end of this month when their season would have finished and in time for the start of the Chinese Super League.

However the coronavirus pandemic has pushed back the conclusion of European leagues and competitions by more than two months.

United have been locked in talks with Shanghai to extend Ighalo's loan spell to cover the remainder of the campaign, which is now due to resume midway through June.

Talks between the two sides reached impasse, however, with Shanghai Shenhua determined to have Ighalo available right away.

With time running out to reach a deal, it seemed Ighalo had already played his final game for United but it has now been revealed Shanghai Shenhua have softened their stance.

With Marcus Rashford back to full fitness, there is also a question whether United even need Ighalo but with the remainder of the season set to be crammed into a short space of time then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need as many players as possible.

United are still battling for fourth place and are active in both the FA Cup and Europa League.

Ighalo was also a revelation for United after joining in a shock January deal with five goal contributions (four goals, one assist) in his first three starts in all competitions.