Newcastle have emerged as contenders for the signature of in-form Shanghai Shenhua-owned striker, Odion Ighalo.

 
However, they face competition from Manchester United who are understandably keen to keep the player till the end of this Premier League season, while another potential banana skin is that the Chinese club want Ighalo back from his loan spell at Old Trafford.

According to the publication, Shanghai Shenhua are said to be willing to allow the Nigerian remain at Old Trafford only on a permanent deal in the region of £20m upwards, meaning United will have to splash the cash to hold onto their man.

Contracted with the CSL club till December 2021, Ighalo has a three-year contract extension waiting on the table in Shanghai should he find himself back at his parent club.

Since his deadline day switch to Manchester, the striker has scored four goals in eight appearances for the Red Devils.