Manchester United: Odion Ighalo dreams of Old Trafford move despite Watford valuation

Watford striker Odion Ighalo admits a possible move to Manchester United would be too good an opportunity to turn down. The Nigerian international has been the stand-out performer of The Hornets' remarkable start to the season, netting 14 goals during the first half of the campaign in his maiden season in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a memorable 2015, scoring 30 goals in all and finishing as the highest scorer in English football during the calendar year, outscoring Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane [27] and Fulham forward Ross McCormack [25]. The uncompromising Ighalo has been the cornerstone of Watford's remarkable success back in the English top flight, with Quique Sanchez Flores' side ninth in the table, 12 points above the relegation zone.

Despite Ighalo's impressive start to the campaign, the player is yet to be linked with a move away from Vicarage Road – however the player has taken it upon himself to spark speculation regarding his long-term intentions. The ex-Udinese and Granada hitman says he has no immediate plans to leave but an offer from Manchester United would be hard to resist.

"There has been speculation from Spain and Italy but I've played there and now want to play in England," he told The Sun. "I don't think I will be moving but I'm not sure I'd say no if United called. They were my team growing up. I loved watching Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke on TV. They were my idols and playing at Old Trafford has always been a dream."

Key to Watford's success this term has been Ighalo's link up with striker-partner Troy Deeney, who has chipped in with six league goals. One of the few attacking duos in the Premier League, the pair have netted 20 of Watford 25 league goals this season and any disruption to the partnership could see them slide down the division.

But according to Deeney, Watford owner Gino Pozzo will not be parting ways with the top scorer during the January transfer window – given how it might impact of his side's attempts to remain in the league. The 27-year-old believes Ighalo is valued at £20m and will remain at the club.

"He ain't going in January," Deeney said, according to the Guardian. "If no one wanted any of our players we'd be crap. So, come and want him as much as you want but I know Gino [Pozzo, the Watford owner] and it just wouldn't make sense. Why would he sell a striker and want to stay in the league?

"The value of selling Odion for, what would he be worth? £20m, £25m? Or staying up and getting £200m? Simple business maths, he's not going to sell him. Odion doesn't come in saying: 'I want to leave.' He'll just keep doing what he's doing. We just laugh at it."