Odion Ighalo has signed a contract extension with Watford that commits the Nigeria striker to the club until 2021.

Ighalo, who scored 17 goals in 42 appearances last season, has been linked with a move away this summer. Watford turned down a £38m offer from the Chinese side Shanghai SIPG for the striker at the end of June with the owner, Giampaolo Pozzo, adamant that he is not considering selling the 27-year-old.

Negotiations over a new contract have been going on for some time despite his previous deal not expiring until 2020 and terms were finally agreed this week.

Watford also rewarded Ighalo’s striker partner and club captain, Troy Deeney, with a new five-year contract at the start of July. The 29-year-old scored 13 Premier League goals last season.

Watford’s first game with Walter Mazzarri as manager is on Saturday at Southampton.