Aston Villa could sacrifice 2021 signing Danny Ings, as needy Prem rivals prepare summer bid (original) (raw)

Danny Ings could leave Aston Villa after just one season following reports that another Premier League club could swoop for him in the summer.

Ings signed for Aston Villa before the start of the current season after calling time on his spell with Southampton. On the South Coast, he proved himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalscorers outside the big six.

However, having taken the step up to Villa’s level, Ings hasn’t produced the same individual standards. He has scored five goals from 22 Premier League appearances in the current campaign.

In contrast, during the last of his three seasons with Southampton, he ended up with 12 goals from 29 league games.

With his contract only running for two more years with his current employers, his future is now in question. According to Football Insider, Danny Ings has become a target for Brighton and Hove Albion.

A transfer to Brighton would take Ings back to the South Coast. It would in theory benefit Graham Potter’s side, who have struggled for goals over the past couple of seasons despite often playing well.

Neal Maupay is the only member of Potter’s squad to have outscored Ings’ Villa tally in the league this season. Therefore, when the summer comes around, they could try to sign a reliable striker.

Ollie Watkins linked with Arsenal as Steven Gerrard says Villa will listen to offers

Ollie Watkins to Arsenal could be on this summer as Aston Villa are listening to offers

If Ings can recapture the form he showed with Southampton, he would be a smart acquisition. The report does not feature any details of a potential asking price for the forward.

The former Liverpool striker will have turned 30 by the time next season begins. But Brighton believe he still has plenty to offer in the top flight.

Danny Ings could be Aston Villa casualty

Danny Ings during an Aston Villa match

Football Insider write that Villa are expected to spend big for the third consecutive transfer window in the summer. It puts some of their senior players at risk as they aim to balance the books.

Unless he becomes more consistent, Danny Ings could be one of the players to fall foul of their plans. He has only scored two Premier League goals since the turn of the calendar year.

That said, one of those came in a 4-0 win over his former club Southampton in March, in which he also made two assists. It was a sign of what he is capable of on his day. Potter would plan to benefit from those kind of displays from Ings if they were to work together at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton have only scored 26 goals from their 29 league matches this season. The only clubs to have scored less are the current bottom two, Burnley (who have played two games less than the Seagulls) and Norwich City.

Therefore, a transfer for a striker remains on their agenda for the summer. In the shape of Danny Ings, they could find someone with the Premier League experience that they require.