Ighalo 'desperate to stay at Man Utd' but he due for return to China on May 31

Odion Ighalo was settling in nicely to his dream Manchester United loan before it was cruelly cut-off by coronavirus, leaving the striker desperate to extend his stay.

The Nigerian made a shock deadline day switch from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January and kicked-off his Premier League return with four goals in eight games.

Ighalo's loan deal is set to expire on May 31, seeing him return to China for the Super League season, which has been scheduled for late June or early July.

The former Watford striker is desperate to stay, according to the Manchester Evening News, and is set to push for an extension.

The Premier League has introduced the possibility of clubs signing out-of-contract players to a 2019-20 contract which would see stars remain at their clubs until the 38-game campaign is completed.

However, that deal would need to be agreed with Shanghai, who will want Ighalo ready to their own season.

The forward scored 10 goals in 17 games for the club last season, where he is a team-mate of former AC Milan star Stephan El Shaarawy.

Manchester United will been keen on keeping Ighalo in their ranks for the Premier League restart, as they take aim at overhauling fourth-place Chelsea for Champions League qualification.