Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hints at permanent Odion Ighalo deal

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opened the door for Odion Ighalo to join the Red Devils on a permanent deal during this summer's transfer window.

Ighalo moved to Old Trafford on loan from Shanghai Shenhua before the January transfer window closed.

As it stands, the Nigeria international will return to his Chinese club this summer, but Solskjaer has revealed that he is open to the idea of the 30-year-old signing a permanent deal with the 20-time English champions.

"It doesn't hurt [to live the dream] but he's here on merit, he's here because he is a goalscorer and a different type of striker for us," Solskjaer told Sky Sports News.

"We might get to the summer and think we want to extend this, who knows? He's come in as a breath of fresh air as well. He had chances in his five minutes against Chelsea, he scored against Brugge.

"He had chances against Watford, he had a very good save against Everton – there have been good saves, he doesn't miss the target very often. Even for Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford to learn that it is where the sharks are swimming.

"It is comfortable outside the box and you can have a few shots. It's in there where it might be a bit tougher and you might get hurt - that's where you get goals."

Ighalo has netted once in his five appearances for United ahead of Thursday evening's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Championship outfit Derby County.