Manchester United lead transfer race for Arsenal target Watford striker

Odion Ighalo celebrates a goal for Watford

Arsene Wenger is also keen on the £20m-rated Nigerian, but it's understood the Reds will press ahead regardless of who their manager next season

Manchester United are front-runners to sign £20million-rated Watford striker Odion Ighalo, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People.

But with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also keen, the Nigerian looks likely to be the subject of a summer tug-of-war.

Man United are in the box seat and, intriguingly, Sunday People Sport understands they will press ahead with plans to sign the player whether Louis van Gaal or Jose Mourinho is in charge at Old Trafford for next season.

Mourinho in particular is an admirer of the 26-year-old Ighalo, who has shot to prominence in the Premier League this season.

United are desperate to add firepower to their squad and Ighalo, who has scored 15 goals for Watford this season, ticks all the boxes for them.

Ighalo joined from Granada in 2014 and, having helped guide them into the top flight and started the campaign so well, admitted joining United would be “a dream”.

Speaking before the January transfer window, he said: “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.”