Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed negotiations are ongoing to keep Odion Ighalo at Manchester United.
The on-loan striker is due to return to Shanghai Shenhua next week – and Standard Sport understands the Chinese club have so far rejected all attempts to extend his deal.
Ighalo is desperate to see out the season, with United in contention for a top four finish and still in the FA Cup and Europa League.
But Solskjaer has confirmed the forward will have to return to China unless there is a breakthrough this week.
He told MUTV: “The loan deal went until the end of May now, so obviously he’s supposed to be going back.
“We’re in dialogue. They’ve been great towards us, his club, and allowed him to play for his dream club.
“It’s been a dream for him and hopefully he can finish off what he started, hopefully with a trophy for us.
"At the moment, nothing has been agreed. Their league is going to get started soon so we’re just waiting to see.”
Despite Solskjaer revealing Ighalo was playing his way into a permanent deal before the coronavirus lockdown, United are focusing on longer term targets drawn up before Ighalo’s deadline-day move in January.
Timo Werner and Moussa Dembele are among the strikers identified by United’s transfer committee.
With spending set to be restricted following the financial impact of Covid-19, Solskjaer has had to review his plans.
In Pictures | Manchester United's summer transfer targets
He still wants to bring in three major signings, with Jadon Sancho his top target.
Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Jude Bellingham are also on his wanted list.
