Inter Milan reportedly explored the possibility of signing Shanghai Shenhua forward Odion Ighalo during the latter stages of the January transfer window.
Ighalo is believed to be on the verge of joining Manchester United, with the former Watford attacker expected to move to Old Trafford on an initial six-month loan deal.
However, according to Sky Sports News presenter Dharmesh Sheth, Inter had wanted to sign the 30-year-old when it became clear that they would not be able to bring Chelsea's Olivier Giroud to the club.
"There was another twist as Inter Milan, who have been buying everybody in this window, when they didn't get Olivier Giroud, they asked about Odion Ighalo but he had his heart set on a move back to the Premier League and Manchester United," Sheth said on Friday night.
Ighalo, who currently plays in the Chinese Super League, scored 17 times in 55 Premier League appearances during his time with Watford.
The Nigeria international has also turned out for the likes of Udinese and Granada during a well-travelled career.
Matt Law
