Man Utd: Odion Ighalo praises 'great' Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
These are confusing times for Manchester United and Odion Ighalo. It’s been widely reported that the Nigeria international won’t be staying at Old Trafford - but his agent has claimed otherwise. However, the Red Devils have seemingly been planning ahead regardless of whether or not he stays for a few more months.
It was reported by Foot Mercato last week that United were planning to sign a new striker this summer, regardless of what happens with Ighalo.
Two of the names mentioned don’t make much sense. Wissam Ben Yedder and Raul Jimenez are both close to the 30-year-old in age, therefore seem unfeasible.
But, for the long term, it was suggested that United have five players in mind.
Make no mistake about it they’d like Ighalo to stay. But they won’t match the blockbuster wages Shanghai are prepared to offer him, nor will they splurge a huge amount on any potential transfer fee.
If the former Watford striker stays put, it’s likely to only be temporary.
And that’s because United are on the lookout for forwards who fit the profile that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants. He wants young talent with the potential to improve, not strikers on the decline.
One player in his sights is Timo Werner, who has been sensational for RB Leipzig this season.
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And United could exploit them by going for Dembele who, at 23, certainly ticks all the boxes.
The other three players of interest to the Red Devils for the long term are Lautaro Martinez, Alassane Plea and Victor Osimhen.
Martinez appears Barcelona-bound, with Lionel Messi wanting his compatriot to join him at the Nou Camp.
He’s been remarkable for Inter Milan ever since the appointment of Antonio Conte as manager, scoring 16 goals and striking up a strong relationship with Romelu Lukaku in the process.
United have interest, though, and reportedly feel they’re in with a shot of landing Martinez given the fact Barcelona will need to use players as part of a swap deal.
Plea also has his admirers behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams.
At 27 he’s a bit older than the other players on the Red Devils’ radar but nonetheless has the peak years of his career ahead of him.
Man Utd have Lautaro Martinez, Alassane Plea and Victor Osimhen transfer interest (Image: GETTY)
And so too does Osimhen.
Ighalo himself has advocated the signing of the striker, saying in April: “He’s the future of Nigerian football. He’s the future, he’s going to do so well in football.
“I always advise him to keep calm, keep working hard and the guy is going to be a celebrity, you know.
“He came to watch our game against Club Brugge in Belgium because it’s closer to where he lives, he messaged me he was going to come so I gave him my jersey, and in fact he brought his own jersey for me, too.
“Osimhen is a nice boy, we’re from the same place. I love him, he’s down to earth, he’s hard working, he has a future and he has the mentality of a winner, that’s what I love about him. He has that lion’s heart.”
United, it seems, have the long term in mind. And what ultimately happens with Ighalo and his Old Trafford future is something only time will tell.