Southampton and England striker Danny Ings is hopeful of rejoining one of the Premier League’s “big sex” this summer.
Ings has signed a contract with St Mary’s for twelve months and has rejected Southampton’s offer for an extension, much to the frustration of the club.
Ings is convinced he can go up to a higher level / Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
The Saints signed Ings for £ 20m from Liverpool in 2019 after a first season-long run and he has gone on to net 41 Premier League goals in 91 starts on the South Coast, a form that gave him a recall to England’s squad last year.
Ings finally missed a place in the Three Lions squad for the European Championship 2020, but feels that he has unfinished business at the top end of the Premier League.
Despite his desire to leave, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has made it clear that he does not want the club to let Ings go this summer, regardless of whether he signs a new contract or not.
“He’s our player for another year. We paid a lot of money for him when we brought him here, we invested a lot to get him at his highest level,” Hasenhuttl told BBC Radio Solent.
“We went with him through all these injuries he had, gave him time to recover and time to perform. He helped us a lot with his goals and invested a lot in the seasons because he is here – he is a fantastic professional. It would be a shame. if this ended next summer but there is still a year left. “
A number of clubs are watching Ings closely, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and West Ham. The 28-year-old is considering all his options, but has made it clear to his representatives that he would rather end up with a “big sex” experienced by the Premier League.
Nuno is a fan of Danny Ings / Pool / Getty Images
Ings previously suffered an injury that was destroyed in four years with Liverpool, but his return to fitness and form with Southampton has seen Premier League champions City add him to his list of striking goals. Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Lautaro Martinez are their priorities, but Ings is at least considered.
Tottenham are also interested, with new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo understood to be keen on deploying a two-man strike force during his first season in north London. It may see Ings connect with captain Harry Kane, rather than acting as a possible replacement or even understudy.
90min understands that Southampton’s hierarchy is indecisive about Ing’s future and may be willing to listen to offers, rather than lose him for free next summer.
