MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a shock transfer move for former Watford striker Odion Ighalo, according to sensational reports.
The Red Devils are looking to bring in a striker on loan as emergency cover for Marcus Rashford.
England star Rashford, 22, is set to be out for at least eight weeks due to a stress fracture in his back.
And according to Sky Sports, United are considering Ighalo as a possible option.
The Nigerian, 30, is currently plying his trade with Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua.
He has two years left on his contract in the Far East after moving from relegated Changchun Yatai for the 2019 season.
Ighalo made a name for himself during his three years with Watford.
After joining in 2014, initially on loan, he powered the Hornets to promotion in his first season at Vicarage Road.
He enjoyed a stellar first season in the Premier League, netting 15 goals.
But after signing a new five-year contract with Watford, he managed just one league goal in the 2016/17 campaign before moving to China for £20million.
Now, though, he could be in line for a surprise return to the Premier League to try and bolster Manchester United’s top-four ambitions.
With top-scorer Rashford out, Romelu Lukaku firing them in for Inter and Daniel James’ goals drying up, the pressure lies on Anthony Martial and 17-year-old Mason Greenwood to deliver.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was snubbed by compatriot Erling Haaland who opted to join Borussia Dortmund instead – and has continued his goalscoring form with five goals in his opening two matches for the Bundesliga side.
Edinson Cavani has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford this month as he tries to force through an exit from Paris Saint-Germain.
But Atletico Madrid and Chelsea appear to be ahead of the Red Devils in the chase for the Uruguayan, who could cost as much as £66m.
And Leicester’s former record signing Islam Slimani is another striker United are reportedly after on a temporary basis.
The Algerian has struggled since joining the Foxes in 2016 and is now at Monaco on his third loan spell away from the King Power.
