Manchester United have signed striker Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua on loan until the end of the season but Aston Villa turned down the opportunity to sign the former Watford player 24 hours before the Red Devils.

According to Sky Sports, Aston Villa had the chance to sign the 30-year-old on Thursday but rejected the opportunity.

Presenter Jim White said: “I’m learning that Aston Villa turned down the chance to sign Odion Ighalo last night.”

Last season Ighalo scored 10 goals in 19 appearances for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.

Villa boss Dean Smith had been in the market to add another striker to his squad after the long-term injury to Wesley on New Year's Day.

The 23-year-old Brazilian, who signed for £22million in last summer, suffered a cruciate ligament injury and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

JUST IN: Man Utd complete Odion Ighalo transfer after frantic striker search on deadline day