Shanghai Shenhua are preparing for life after Odion Ighalo with the Chinese club set to complete the signing of former Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins as the perfect replacement for the United forward, according to Chinese outlet Titan Sport Plus.
Ighalo was the Chinese side's top goalscorer with ten goals in the only season he was with them until he sealed a sensational loan move to Manchester United on transfer deadline day in January.
The 30-year-old striker's loan deal was billed to expire on the last day in May, but that date is likely going to be shifted following a suspension of Premier League action due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
And after smashing in four goals in his eight appearances for the Red Devils and unexpectedly becoming an overnight fans favourite, Ighalo is in line to earn a permanent deal from the 20-time English champions.
Shanghai Shenhua are monitoring proceedings in England and have moved to take back another former Nigerian stalwart to plug the gap left by Ighalo, says Titan Sport Plus.
During his first stint in China, Martins scored 20 goals across all competitions for Shanghai Shenhua, and he won the FA Cup in 2017.
The 35-year-old, however, left Shanghai in 2018 after suffering a hamstring injury, but he is now set to return to the club as a replacement for his compatriot.
The Chinese Super League is yet to begin the new season following the pandemic that hit the Asian country, claiming hundreds of lives.
