Pundit urges Aston Villa to move for international ace with itchy feet

Danny.Ings_.Jonny_.Evans_.Southampton.2021.TEAMtalk1

Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor feels Dean Smith should look to sign Southampton’s Danny Ings after the England man’s reported rejection of a new Saints contract.

Ings, 28, has just one year left on his St Mary’s deal and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl wants his future secured. But it was reported on Monday that the man with three England caps has turned down the offer of a fresh four-year deal. That has immediately alerted some of his suitors, with the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham both linked.

It remains to be seen if either club make a move. But, if reports of his Southampton snub are true, they will need to move him on sooner rather than later.

The former Liverpool hitman will still be able to command a decent transfer fee. However, if his situation remains unchanged into next season, then the Winchester-born ace will be free to talk to clubs in January.

That is not something the south-coast outfit will want to happen and so there may soon be movement on his future. Agbonlahor believes his old side should join the queue.

After Sky Sports had reported Ings’ refusal to extend his Southampton stay, Football Daily posted the news on their Instagram page.

They asked fans which team they felt should try to capture the former Burnley man. And the man who made 391 appearances for the Villans simply replied ‘Aston Villa’.

Ings a solid capture for ambitious Villa

Villa finished 11th in the Premier League standings last term. It was a sound enough effort but they would have been thinking bigger after sitting fifth in late December.

July 5 Transfer Chatter - Manchester Utd boost for Camavinga, Barcelona want Coutinho out and Chelsea working on another Italian full-back

July 5 Transfer Chatter - Manchester Utd boost for Camavinga, Barcelona want Coutinho out and Chelsea working on another Italian full-back

Manchester United receive a boost from Rennes in the race for Eduardo Camavinga, Barcelona willing to accept staggeringly low offer for Phillippe Coutinho and Chelsea in talks with exciting Italian full-back, all in today's transfer chatter.

Smith’s charges finished strongly, with wins against Tottenham and Chelsea. But it was inevitable that the West Midlanders would look to strengthen in the off-season.

They paid Brentford £30m to sign striker Ollie Watkins in September last year. However, the England man is no longer the club’s record transfer as Emiliano Buendia has joined from Norwich for £34m.

There is no question that the Villa Park outfit are looking to be progressive and are prepared to dig deep. Whether the budget would stretch to acquiring Ings only time will tell but he still has plenty to give.

He is a proven goalscorer, bagging 25 in all competitions in 2019-2020. The ex-Bournemouth player only notched 13 times in 2020-21 but did suffer a series of niggling injuries.

Dean.Smith_.Aston_.Villa_.TEAMtalk

He would be an excellent addition to any club and, if Agbonlahor gets his wish it will be Southampton.

READ MORE: Pundit tips Nuno to re-energize Tottenham player Mourinho ignored