Manchester City’s reported hopes of signing Southampton striker Danny Ings this summer look to have taken a serious blow, after Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed recently that the South Coast club would not sell him.
Sky Sports suggested recently that the Citizens could target Ings as a cheaper alternative to Erling Haaland, after Borussia Dortmund reportedly set a £154m price tag on the Norwegian sensation.
Pep Guardiola’s side are undoubtedly going to be in the market for a striker after it was revealed that Sergio Aguero would leave on the expiry of his contract this summer, whilst the recent home defeat against 10-man Leeds United perhaps highlighted why they need a goal-poacher, such as Ings.
However, Saints manager Hasenhuttl has taken a strong stance on the England international ahead of the summer and has claimed that Southampton won’t sell him, despite his contract only running until 2022.
The 28-year-old striker enjoyed a phenomenal 2019/20 season, finishing joint-second in the Golden Boot race in the Premier League after notching 22 goals in the top-flight.
His impressive form last season was praised by former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, who said:
“The most impressive thing about Danny is, of course, he’s an outstanding player.
“Technically he’s very good, plays with real intelligence and the way he’s come back from his disappointments, the injury setbacks he’s had, the way he’s fought back and kept his mental strength has been hugely impressive.”
He started the current season well but Southampton’s drop in form, as well as some minor injuries for the former Liverpool man, have meant that he has registered just nine goals in 23 Premier League appearances this season.
His recent goal in the 3-2 win against Burnley emphasised his composure in front of goal and demonstrated that, if he were to move to a side such as Manchester City, there is no doubt that he would score plenty of goals.
If City are priced out of a move for the likes of Haaland and Romelu Lukaku this summer, then Ings could have been an excellent, short-term alternative, especially as he has made it clear that he wants Champions League football.
Unfortunately, Hasenhuttl has made it pretty clear that he won’t be leaving the South Coast club this summer, so City may have to look elsewhere for a new striker, which could prove to be a big blow to Guardiola.
And, in other news… Manchester City could be set for a huge boost with “remarkable” £300k-p/w beast, Pep surely buzzing