Ighalo’s current loan spell is due to expire on Sunday, and United remain in talks to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
Shenhua will only agree to a permanent deal or an extension to his loan that incorporates an obligation to buy. Ighalo would be likely to cost upwards of £20m.
But Solskjaer still has belief an arrangement can be found to allow Ighalo to complete the season with United, the club he grew up supporting as a boy.
Shenhua expect Ighalo to have returned in time for the resumption of the Chinese Super League season, expected to be at the end of June or beginning of July.
But, as things stand, Ighalo cannot go back because China’s borders are closed.
On March 28, China suspended entry into the country of foreign nationals – a measure which has left about a third of foreign players in the Chinese Super League locked out.
Rumours making the rounds claims Shenhua had offered Ighalo a new four-year contract worth £400,000 per week. His current deal expires in December 2022.
Although he may have already played his last game for the club, Ighalo is taking part in training with his United team-mates at their Carrington base.
The Nigerian striker made an impact for United following his surprise Deadline Day move, scoring four times in eight appearances prior to the suspension of the Premier League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer called him “vital” for United as they dealt with Marcus Rashford’s prolonged absence due to a back injury.
