Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on ex-Liverpool striker Danny Ings as a potential alternative for Manchester United target Harry Kane.
A recent report from Football Insider has offered a further update on Manchester City’s hunt for a new striker. It appears the club has launched an enquiry for the former Liverpool forward, seeking the possibility of a potential move from Southampton this summer.
It is believed that Ings has been identified as a potential alternative for Harry Kane. City are reportedly preparing a £100 million bid for the Tottenham Hotspur forward but are unsure of securing his services. As such, they are now exploring potential alternatives in the market.
Reports earlier this week suggested Manchester City’s interest in snapping up Joao Felix. The Atletico Madrid youngster might be available in the market, as Los Colchoneros look to re-sign Antoine Griezmann from Barcelona at the expense of Saul Niguez in a sensational swap deal this summer.
However, Felix is likely to cost a fortune, having joined Atletico Madrid for an astonishing fee of £108 million a couple of years ago. But in Ings, Pep Guardiola might find himself a cost-effective option, who not only has Premier League experience but is also keen on leaving Southampton in the summer.
Indeed, the ex-Liverpool forward stalled the Saints’ attempt to tie him down to a long-term contract so far. His current deal expires in 2022, so his persistence might force Southampton to cash in on him this summer.
Formerly of Burnley, Ings is highly rated by Guardiola due to his unprecedented success at Southampton. In just 100 competitive appearances, he has netted 46 goals, 22 of which came in the 2019/20 campaign that saw him emerge as one of Premier League’s top goalscorers alongside Jamie Vardy, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
But after yet again dawdling in the lower end of the league table, Ings is determined to make the switch to a bigger club this summer. And Manchester City could be an ideal destination, as the Citizens are currently in the market for a new striker who can replace the Barcelona-bound Sergio Aguero.
Ings might not be as lethal as Aguero, but he certainly does have the age advantage. His impressive track record in the English top-flight should also add that extra pinch of productivity Manchester City need as they look to retain their dominance in the Premier League next season.
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However, the Citizens must be swift in their approach for Ings, who is now also being courted by Tottenham Hotspur, who are on the hunt for a new striker as well, amid the uncertain future of Harry Kane.
