Odion Ighalo has turned down a lucrative offer from Chinese First Division club Hebei China Fortune.

The26 - year - old would have pocketed £12million ( or £3million per season) over the duration of the contract, excluding performance related variables.

Hebei China Fortune had offered the attacker a four - year deal and were willing to pay Watford £10 million compensation to severe ties with the Nigeria international.

According to Ighalo’s intermediary, Atta Aneke, the bid was rejected because his client wants to remain in the English Premier League.

“We had to turn down the offer, it’s not the right thing for him now, ” said Atta Aneke to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“Odion has worked so hard in the Premier League and wants to seize the opportunity. For sure, he will remain in the EPL.

“He was offered a four - year contract, but sometimes it’s not about the money.”

Agent Atta Aneke brokered the deal that took Norwegian - Moroccan Ibba Laajab to Hebei China Fortune in the winter transfer market .