Odion Ighalo rubbishes speculation linking him with January transfer to Manchester United

Odion Ighalo has rubbished speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United in the January transfer window. The 26-year-old Nigerian is reportedly a transfer target for United boss Louis van Gaal, but Ighalo has insisted he will stay at Vicarage Road for the time being.

The forward recently admitted he would find it hard to reject a move to Old Trafford. However, he appears to have performed a dramatic U-turn, saying he is committed to Watford.

Ighalo – who has been named the Premier League player of the month for December – said, according to Sky Sports: "When the gaffer took over he really told us what he wanted, and I worked hard in pre-season. I knew the step up from the Championship to the Premier League would be difficult because I was going to meet more experienced defenders and big teams, so I have put a lot of work in, and that has been paying off.

"I am a Watford player. I have a five-year contract, I am happy and the fans love me. I am enjoying my football here and I am not in a hurry to go anywhere."

Meanwhile, Ighalo's boss Quique Flores has been named the Premier League's manager of the month, following their impressive run of form in December, which saw the Hornets record victories against Norwich, Sunderland and Liverpool. The Spaniard has become the first Watford manager to have won the coveted award.

"It's a big honour for me and I am really pleased. This is for all the staff who are working with me and for the players, of course. Without them it is impossible to get this award," the Watford boss explained.

"This is also for the fans. They have supported the team a lot. This is all a new experience for me, I am new in the Premier League, but this month has been very special."

The Hornets have begun the new year with back-to-back defeats in the league, against Manchester City and Southampton. However, Watford still sit in the top half of the Premier League.