Manchester United have signed former Watford striker Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua on loan until the end of the season. The deal to bring the 30-year-old Nigeria international to Old Trafford contains no option to buy. Ighalo, who is still in China, scored 39 goals in 99 matches for Watford between 2014 and 2017.

REACTIONS:

Sky Sports News guest Jaap Stam: “It’s a surprising signing…he’s got nothing to lose. No-one was expecting this. He can just go in there and do his thing. Hopefully he’ll do well as we all want to see Manchester United back up there.”

Sky Sports News’ James Cooper: “The deal is done. It has been agreed. “Manchester United play Wolves tomorrow. Ighalo won’t be involved in that game. He won’t even be in Manchester. But then Manchester United have a two-week break before their next game. “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he wanted a striker, he said he wanted a goalscoring option. Manchester United have backed him. They have done the talking with a very late smash-and-great raid.”

Sky Sports News host Jim White: “I’m learning that Aston Villa turned down the chance to sign Odion Ighalo last night.”

Joe Wedgwood (text on BBC): Well he’s no Henrik Larsson but 30 odd goals for a dodgy Watford side is no mean feat. Strong, skilful, Ighalo could fit in well for six months.

BBC Sport’s Simon Stone: Odion Ighalo will travel to Manchester in the next few days. After Saturday’s Premier League game against Wolves at Old Trafford, United do not play again until 17 February when they are away at Chelsea. It is understood there was interest from other clubs in the Premier League but Ighalo wanted to play for United.

Nick Rodely (text on BBC): Let’s not judge Odion Ighalo too harshly, should he sign. A boyhood ManUtd fan who idolised Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole, there was a time not too long ago when he was highly regarded in the Premier League. Would’ve loved Cavani but I’m sure Ighalo will do well too.

Duncan Alexander on twitter: Odion Ighalo needs one PL goal to go level with Jesse Lingard.

Yannick Bolasie on twitter: My bro @ighalojude i know your gassed right now! One of your dreams coming true..couldn’t happen to a nicer guy good luck bro…..quick linkup with @B_Fernandes8 too #GloryToGod #YYB