Manchester United loanee, Odion Ighalo, is likely to return to his parent club Shanghai Shenhua when his contract expires with the Premier League giants in January.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to reports, has chosen Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland as replacement for the the Nigerian.
Solskjaer, a huge fan of his compatriot, wanted to sign the Norway international having seen him shine at Red Bull Salzburg, scoring 28 goals from 22 appearances.
The United manager and Ed Woodward both jetted out to Austria to sit down for talks with the striker, who insisted he’d chosen Old Trafford as his next destination.
In the end, however, the Red Devils were rocked.
Haaland opted to leave Salzburg for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund instead, with the German giants agreeing to agent Mino Raiola’s lucrative demands.
Many saw it as a blow to United.
But Solsjaer didn’t seem too bothered when asked about the forward, smiling away and saying: “Well, Dortmund have signed a fantastic boy, I can’t answer more than that.”
And admiration for the striker certainly remains.
United haven’t cooled their interest in the 20-year-old altogether, with Solskjaer still hoping to one day bring him to Old Trafford.
And United will likely be in the race to secure his signature, with Solskjaer unwilling to let the past get in the way of improving his side.
Haaland has been terrific in Germany, scoring 16 goals from 18 appearances in the short time since his move to the country.
And United may be biding their time before waiting to go for the youngster.