Gary Neville discusses whether Manchester United should sign reported Newcastle target

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Gary Neville has claimed on Instagram that Manchester United should avoid paying £20million to sign striker Odion Ighalo on a permanent basis – amid reports that Newcastle United are also considering a move for the Nigerian powerhouse.

Ighalo, 30, joined Manchester United on loan until the end of the season from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua in the January window. He has since scored four goals in eight league and cup appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

However, his long-term future remains up in the air. Shenhua expected the former Watford ace to return to China for the beginning of the Chinese Super League season unless interested parties stump up his £20million price tag – as per Sky Sports.

The same report claims Manchester United are not the only side interested in Ighalo, with Newcastle also considering a move for the forward. Neville said on Instagram, as per the Metro, that United should avoid paying full whack for Ighalo.

“Is Ighalo worth £20m?” said Neville, when asked about Ighalo’s future. “Probably not in this market. He may have been if he continued before [the suspension of football] scoring goals but now, you probably don’t need to spend £20m”.

TBR’s view – If Neville’s comments prove true, a boost for Newcastle?

If Newcastle are intent on luring Ighalo to Tyneside, then Neville’s comments will prove to be a boost. That is because the United icon is bang on – in the current market, Ighalo is not worth that fee, and United can get a better striker for a cheaper fee.

Money is less of an issue to Newcastle, if a takeover is completed with reports claiming such a move could occur this week. If they want Ighalo, you get the impression that they will steal in and nab Ighalo ahead of Manchester United.

If United agree with Neville, then they may find their pursuit of Ighalo easy to complete.