Arsenal hero Paul Merson believes Odion Ighalo's priority will be to stay with Manchester United.

The Nigeria joined United on Deadline Day in January on loan until the end of the season and has impressed with his performances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

That has led to the Chinese side making a push to retain Ighalo's services when he returns to the Far East after his spell at Old Trafford, said to be worth a lucrative £400k-a-week.

But Merson told Sky Sports: "It's a hard decision Manchester United have to make regarding his future because if you give him a contract, can he perform again that next season?

"When you go to a club on loan you've got that hunger of wanting to secure a permanent move, prove everybody inside the club right and everybody outside the club wrong. All of a sudden, you give someone a contract and they think they've done all the hard work.

"You've only got to look at his time at Watford. He looked a world-beater but then next minute he couldn't score a goal for toffee. But if you are going on the form he's showed since coming to the club in January it's going to be hard to get rid of him.

"And don't worry about the new mega money offers in China. He's said all the right things since joining Manchester United. He's turned around enough times and said he's dreamed of playing for United so if they do offer him a permanent deal, I can't see him turning it down.

"Everything's gone right for him so far and if United do offer him a chance to stay, I'd be shocked if he walked away."