Southampton linked with surprise move for Odion Ighalo
Southampton are reportedly one of many clubs keeping tabs on Nigeria international Odion Ighalo.
According to Italian news outlet Tutto Udinese, the Saints are joined by a number of Premier League outfits who could be willing to give Ighalo a route back to the English top flight.
Ighalo has been plying his trade in the Chinese Super League in recent times following a big-money move from Watford. He joined Changchun Yatai for a fee reported to be in the region of £20 million and is understood to have had his wages significantly increased.
However, with the former Watford striker having been in good form for his side, it’s stated by Tutto Udinese that Saints are keen.
Ighalo has netted 15 goals in his last 27 outings, also contributing with a total of four assists. He has also stepped up to the mark on the international stage with Nigeria.
The links to Ighalo seem somewhat peculiar. Saints have built a reputation for recruiting young talent from within Europe, predominantly targeting those with sell-on value and immense potential.
Ighalo, though, is 28-years-old and is said to be on extremely high wages, making this one rather unlikely.
Everton, West Ham and Stoke are all also credited with interest by Tutto Udinese – three clubs who are in need of new attacking reinforcements, much like Saints.