Gary Neville unconvinced after report over cost of Man Utd striker deal

Gary Neville has questioned a report claiming that Manchester United must pay £20million if they want to keep Odion Ighalo at the club.

Sky Sports News reported on Sunday that the Red Devils will only be able to sign the Nigerian on a permanent deal if the valuation – set by the striker’s parent club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua – is met.

The Chinese side have reportedly bookmarked him to make an appearance at the start of the Chinese Super League in July following his six-month loan spell at Old Trafford.

However, speaking on an Instragram live video (via Goal), Neville appeared convinced that United could barter with Shanghai and get a cheaper deal.

“Is Ighalo worth £20m?” the pundit questioned. “Probably not in this market. He may have been if he continued before scoring goals but you probably don’t need now to spend £20m.”

Ighalo, 30, celebrates his birthday in June and so the length of any potential permanent deal that could be offered by United remains unclear.

However, the Sky Sports News report also claimed that Newcastle are interested in Ighalo if United pass up the opportunity to sign him.

 

The Magpies are on the verge of having wealthy new owners and another report has outlined that the North East club could look to LaLiga – and Real Madrid – to a swoop for Gareth Bale.

In other news, United are reportedly in continuous conversation with the mother and agent of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

The Frenchman moved to Turin last summer on a free transfer but is already being linked with a move elsewhere.

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