Former Chelsea and Tottenham striker Eidur Gudjohnsen believes Manchester United's signing of Odion Ighalo on loan demonstrates that they are no longer an attractive proposition for the very best forwards.
United were linked with a whole host of top strikers during the January transfer window, including PSG's Edinson Cavani and Moussa Dembele of Lyon, but ended up making a shock move for former Watford player Ighalo, who they signed from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season.
Speaking to Sky Sports' Transfer Talk podcast, Gudjohnsen said the Ighalo deal smelled of desperation, and shows that United can no longer attract world-class talent.
When asked about where United currently stand, Gudjohnsen said: "It comes back to the time of the season of this (Ighalo) transfer as well. I don't think any of the best strikers are available.
"I don't think any of the best strikers are eager to join United anymore."
Ighalo could be in line to make his United debut in their huge game against fellow top-four challengers Chelsea on February 17, and despite some criticism over his signing manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared delighted with the addition to his squad.
"He is a striker, has a physical presence and is a goalscorer so he will give us a lot," Solskjaer said.
"Being the top scorer in the African Cup of Nations tells you a lot about the qualities we are going to get. He’s a different type of striker.
"He’s a proven goalscorer, physical presence. It also gives us a chance to rest Mason Greenwood and to rest Anthony Martial at times with so many games coming up."
Unitd certainly need a spark up front, having failed to score in their last three Premier League matches in a row, and they appear to be struggling without their top goalscorer Marcus Rashford, who is out until at least April with injury.
