Watford and five other Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in signing striker Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua when the January transfer window opens.

The Nigeria international scored 39 goals in 99 appearances for Watford before he was sold to Changchun Yatai for £20m in January 2017.

According to TEAMtalk, his current club Shanghai Shenhua would be open to granting Ighalo a loan with a view to a permanent move, with Watford said to be interested.

The report adds that Everton, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Southampton would also be interested in Ighalo's signature should he choose to return to the Premier League.

Watford currently sit bottom of the Premier League after 14 games with just one win and nine goals scored.

The Hertfordshire-based club also sacked manager Quique Sanchez Flores on Monday after a 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.