Shanghai Shenua are open to allowing Odion Ighalo to stay at Manchester United until next January and talks are ongoing over a loan extension, according to Sky Sports via @utdreport. 

Ed Woodward is currently in negotiations with Shanghai to extend Ighalo's contract, which is set to expire on Sunday.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Sky Sports understands that border restrictions may prevent the forward from returning to China in time for the new season. Furthermore, if he is unable to return, they will have to find a suitable replacement.

This is quite a dramatic U-turn from his parent club's original stance, after The Times reported they had offered him a new deal worth more than £75m spread over four years.

The Nigerian was initially brought in to cover for injured duo Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial but he has shone up until now, scoring four goals in eight games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team.

Although the 30-year-old is yet to score in the Premier League this season, his workload will no doubt make him a valuable asset to keep on the bench, as he has averaged 2.7 shots, made two key passes and completed 1.7 dribbles per game on average in the Europa League (WhoScored).

Unsurprisingly, many United fans gushed over Ighalo's "perfect" transfer update, with one fan tweeting "what a turnaround" in reference to Shanghai's shock decision and another adding that an extension is a "no brainer" given his performances so far for the club.

Scroll through some of the glowing reactions to the update on the Nigerian:

United fans, do you think the board should sign Odion Ighalo and extend this stay at Old Trafford? Let us know in the comments section!