Everton and West Ham United are reportedly keen on Odion Ighalo.
Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo
According to a report from Tutto Udinese, Everton and West Ham United are among the clubs interested in luring striker Odion Ighalo back to the Premier League.
Ighalo, 28, joined Udinese from Norwegian side Lyn in 2008, but spent most of his time out on loan with sister clubs Granada and Watford, joining the latter permanently after 20 goals in 38 games during the 2014-15 campaign.
The Nigerian international hit the headlines the next season, going on a remarkable run of form to hit 15 goals in 37 games in his first Premier League campaign, but his form tailed off.
Burton Albion’s Tom Naylor (L) vies with Watford striker Odion Ighalo
After hitting just two goals in 19 games last season, Ighalo was sold to Chinese outfit Changchun Yatai, where he has excelled with 15 goals in 27 outings – but a return to England could be on the cards.
Tutto Udinese – given links with Watford and Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo report that Ighalo is now wanted by four Premier League clubs – Everton, Southampton, Stoke City and West Ham United – having impressed in the Far East.
Whilst Ighalo was impressive two seasons ago, it would be a huge surprise to see a Premier League team splash the cash on the striker after his last season in England was less than stellar.
Ighalo can play as a centre forward with his back to goal or run in behind, which may make him appealing to teams who play one up front, such as Everton or West Ham.
However, his finishing ability was brought into question last season, and getting a 28-year-old striker with a patchy record out of a lucrative contract in China sounds like something that Everton and West Ham should be avoiding in 2018.
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