Odion Ighalo is unlikely to be offered a permanent stay at Manchester United but could be offered a deal by Chelsea, his agent has claimed.
Ighalo arrived at Old Trafford during the January window and has started life under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in superb fashion, but the Coronavirus has stopped his performance levels and with no date on when or if the football returns, focus now turns onto his long-term future.
There are reports suggesting that he is wanted back by his parent club, who have offered a massive £400,000-a-week, and there are reports that United are keen to keep him on a more permanent basis, but now it seems that Chelsea are in the mix about a possible deal.
Former Nigeria international and current football agent Abdul Sule has urged the striker to reject a new bumper contract from Shanghai Shenhua and wait to see what interest materialises in Europe, He told Goal: “I see Odion Ighalo earning a big-money move from top European teams when his loan expires at Manchester United.
“I don’t think Man United are keen on retaining him because they seem not to value him enough to put hand him a regular place. He also may not be wanted again when Marcus Rashford is fit.
“I will not advise him to return to China now despite the attractive offer but would urge him to stay in Europe. I won’t be surprised if Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid or Barcelona come for him.
“He has proven that he’s got a lot to offer at the highest level within his short stay at Man United and he can attract big brands and earn more money, playing in any of the top teams in England. “He can always still return to China later in his career but right now, I think he has what it takes to shine in Europe.”
Ighalo should stay in European football as it is the best in the game, but if money drives him, then he will take the offer to go back to China. But Would Chelsea really make a move?