Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has said that he would be "shocked" if Odion Ighalo decided against joining Manchester United on a permanent deal this summer if given the chance.
Ighalo has impressed since arriving at Old Trafford on loan from Shanghai Shenhua, finding the back of the net on four occasions in eight appearances in all competitions.
As it stands, the Nigeria international will return to China at the end of May, but United are allegedly exploring the possibility of signing him on a permanent deal.
The English club's chances could be affected by Shanghai Shenhua reportedly offering Ighalo a new contract worth £400,000 a week, but Merson does not believe that the 30-year-old would reject the chance to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side regardless of the money on offer.
"He's said all the right things since joining Manchester United. He's turned around enough times and said he's dreamed of playing for United so if they do offer him a permanent deal, I can't see him turning it down," Merson told Sky Sports News.
"Everything's gone right for him so far and if United do offer him a chance to stay, I'd be shocked if he walked away."
Ighalo's loan deal with United is due to expire at the end of May, although it could reportedly be extended until June 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Matt Law
