Manchester United have reportedly identified Shanghai Shenhua's Odion Ighalo as their leading transfer target as they look to sign a striker before Friday night's transfer deadline.

The Red Devils have allegedly been knocked back in a move for Bournemouth's Joshua King, while Norwich City have also seemingly turned down an approach for Teemu Pukki.

Ighalo has been linked with the 20-time English champions over the last few days, and according to The Athletic, he has now emerged as the club's leading target in the final third of the field.

The 30-year-old, who scored 16 Premier League goals for Watford during his time at the club, currently turns out for Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League.

The Nigeria international has netted 10 times in 19 appearances for his current side in all competitions, while he has also turned out for the likes of Granada and Udinese during a well-travelled career.

Ighalo could allegedly arrive at Old Trafford on loan for the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign.