Ighalo turns down Atletico Madrid bid

Spanish side sent scouts to watch the Nigerian striker on five occasions this season and were willing to table a £12-million bid for him

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo has turned down the chance to join Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish side sent scouts to watch the Nigerian striker on five occasions this season, according to The Sun, and were willing to table a £12-million bid for him.

The Watford striker has told Atletico Madrid: “I want to stay in the Premier League.”

Ighalo, who has scored 14 goals this term in the Premier League, is also the top scorer in all four tiers of English football in 2015 having amassed an incredible 30 goals.

A source close to Ighalo was quoted in The Sun as saying that Atletico Madrid were ready to double the Nigerian’s current earnings in England.

“Atletico have watched him five times already this season and are desperate to take him to Madrid. They have practically offered to double his wages, with big bonuses added on.

“He remains their top priority and they have refused to go away even though he has twice told them no,” the source explained.

Meanwhile, Watford FC released an official statement on Friday saying Ighalo “is not for sale at any price”.