Former Liverpool striker Danny Ings would not rebuff a shock move to Manchester United despite his previous stint at Anfield.
According to a report by The Athletic, Danny Ings favours a move to Manchester United if and when he ends up leaving Southampton. The former Liverpool striker is currently at odds with the Saints over the terms of his new deal, with his current contract set to run out in 18 months’ time.
Ings joined Southampton from Liverpool in the summer of 2018, initially on a loan deal before the move was made permanent in 2019. The English international had been with Liverpool since 2015, but had seen his progress being halted to a great extent by a couple of long-term knee injuries.
However, the move to Southampton has paid off handsomely, with Ings playing an instrumental role in a comfortable 2019/20 Premier League campaign for them. In fact, only Jamie Vardy scored more goals last term than the 28-year-old, who has only gone from strength to strength this season, bringing up his 50th Premier League goal against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago.
With Ings rediscovering his very best form, the bigger clubs in the Premier League are starting to take notice, with the report suggesting that Manchester United and Manchester City could well be interested in signing him. And, Manchester United, in particular, have been handed a boost in pursuit of the Englishman, who would favour joining the Red Devils when he leaves Southampton.
Manchester United have been reported to be in the market for a striker, with Erling Haaland touted to be their long-term priority. Ings, though, could be a fine cost-effective alternative to consider as well, especially considering Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood will also be options to lead the line for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
With Edinson Cavani on the wrong side of 30, Manchester United do need to keep their options open, and they have also been linked with Boulaye Dia. That Ings is open to joining Manchester United would make a potential pursuit of the player relatively straightforward, despite his previous stint with Liverpool.
The report suggests that Ings is currently at odds with Southampton over the terms of his new deal, and is adamant on including a release clause as part of the contract. Daily Telegraph have even claimed that he is holding off on signing a renewal because he wants to return to a Champions League club, and with Manchester United currently in the midst of a title race, a move could be on the horizon.
Apart from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly lining up a move for Ings. However, the ex-Liverpool striker’s own preference should stand the Red Devils in good stead and it remains to be seen if they do make a move for the 28-year-old anytime soon.
