Odion Ighalo’s agent, Ladi Salami, has claimed the player is “very close” to an agreement with Manchester United.

The 30-year-old’s loan spell at Old Trafford expires this week, with the Red Devils yet to make a breakthrough in negotiations with his parent club Shanghai Shenhua.

United had been confident of extending Ighalo’s deal, but the Chinese Super Clubs want a permanent option and demanded in excess of £30m for the Nigerian striker.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that United remain in discussions, but Salami has revealed that an agreement is close.

“On the one hand, the Super Eagle [Nigerian] feels very good in Manchester with which it is very close to a salary agreement.

“Negotiations with the Chinese are ongoing and are going well.

“On the other hand, in view of the latest regulations in force in the Middle Empire, it is almost impossible to offer such amounts,” Salami told FootMercato