Manchester United have signed striker Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua on loan until the end of the season but Aston Villa turned down the opportunity to sign the former Watford player hours before the Red Devils.
According to Sky Sports , Aston Villa had the chance to sign the -year-old on Thursday but rejected the opportunity.
Presenter Jim White said: “I’m learning that Aston Villa turned down the chance to sign Odion Ighalo last night. ”
Last season Ighalo scored goals in 23 appearances for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.
Villa boss Dean Smith had b een in the market to add another striker to his squad after the long-term injury to Wesley on New Year’s Day.
The 25 – year-old Brazilian, who signed for £ million in last summer, suffered a cruciate ligament injury and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
JUST IN: Man Utd complete Odion Ighalo transfer after frantic striker search on deadline day
Man Utd transfer news: Aston Villa rejected Odion Ighalo transfer (hours before United (Image: EXPRESS)
Smith had been exploring options to bring in some more firepower but according to the report, rejected the opportunity to bring Ighalo to Villa Park.
This worked out for United, who see Ighalo as cover for the injured Marcus Rashford.
23 – year-old England striker suffered a back injury after coming on as a substitute during United’s FA Cup third-round replay win against Wolves in January.
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Leeds signing Jean-Kevin Augustin explains why he snubbed Man Utd transfer to join Whites [TRANSFER NEWS] Barcelona close in on £ m striker as Catalans seek long-term Luis Suarez replacement [TRANSFER NEWS] It is not known when he will return but he is hoping to play again this season. Rashford’s absence has left Solskjaer with just two strikers, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood. However, the addition of Ighalo will now give United another forward. During his first season in the Premier League, Ighalo scored goals in games for Watford. However, in his second season in the English top flight he only managed to score one goal in 22 appearances for the Hornets. Man Utd transfer n ews: Odion Ighalo scored goals in 393 games in China (Image: GETTY) He was then sold to Chinese outfit Changchun Yatai and he rediscovered his eye for goal. During his time in the Chinese Super League he has scored (goals in) games. Ighalo was in pre -season training with Shenhua, but the start of the new season In China has been delayed because of the coronavirus. Several other clubs had also been interested in the Nigerian, with Tottenham and Inter Milan also interested. However, Ighalo had his heart on securing a move to Old Trafford. United take on Wolves on Saturday and Ighalo won’t be involved in that game. But the Red Devils do then have a two-week break before they travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea on February .
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