Odion Ighalo is committed to staying at Watford in this January transfer window, but admitted that it would be a dream for him to play for Manchester United.

The 26-year-old Nigeria international fired 20 goals to help the Hornets secure automatic promotion to the Premier League last season.

And Ighalo has hit the ground running with 14 goals in the first half of the campaign with Quique Sanchez Flores’ men sitting well placed in ninth position on 29 points from 20 games.

The Hornets have issued a firm hands-off warning to potential suitors for Ighalo and his strike partner Troy Deeney in this January transfer window, with several top clubs thought to casting admiring glances in his direction.

The player is happy to stay and help Watford finish as high as possible this season, although he claimed any interest from United would be difficult for him to ignore as he has followed the Red Devils’ fortunes since childhood when they were a real force under Sir Alex Ferguson’s leadership.

He told The Sun: “There has been speculation from Spain and Italy but I’ve played there and now want to play in England.

“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.”

Ighalo is 6.50 to finish the 2015-16 campaign as the Premier League’s top scorer.