Manchester United will reportedly face competition from Newcastle if they want to land Odion Ighalo on a permanent deal this summer, as the Magpies’ prospective new owners eye the Nigerian as a potential marquee signing.
Ighalo arrived at Old Trafford on loan on January deadline day, and despite the signing raising more than a few eyebrows, the 30-year-old has quickly made himself a cult hero with four goals in eight appearances.
He is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League after a handful of substitute appearances, but has found the net in each of his three starts in the Europa League and FA Cup, and he has already been touted to earn himself a permanent move back to England when the summer transfer window reopens.
Sky Sports, however, report that it won’t be easy if they are to pry him away on a permanent basis – since Newcastle, set to be armed with a £150m transfer kitty if their Saudi-based takeover comes to fruition, have entered the fray.
Oghalo is to return to Shanghai for pre-season training with Shanghai Shenua ahead of the Chinese Super League getting underway in July, and it’s believed the Chinese club will only sanction a prolonged stay in England if any interested party meets his £20m release clause.
Speaking last month (as per Sky) on speculation that United had offered him a new deal, Oghalo said: “There is no offer on the table yet.
“Because the season is still on and I’m yet to finish my loan deal. I don’t just take decisions alone in my life. I have a principle and I have a guideline for everything I do. I always pray to God to direct me.
“You don’t just rush and do things: ‘I’m going here, I’m going here’. I have to sit down and finish the season well, sit down with my agent, see what’s on the ground: A, B, C, D, is on the ground. Okay we have to pick.”