Southampton land blow on Tottenham and Everton amid Ings links

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 17 May 2021 14:51 BST
• 2 min read

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl remains positive that Danny Ings will sign a new contract to remain with the club beyond this summer.

After a spell at Liverpool ravaged by injuries, Ings has revitalised his career with Southampton initially on loan and then on a permanent basis, finding his goalscoring touch again in the process.

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In the 2019/20 season he enjoyed the best top-flight campaign of his career, scoring 22 goals in 32 starts for the Saints.

Though his goalscoring has been down somewhat this season – he has 12 in the league so far – he has had to contend with a few injuries this campaign.

Southampton are currently 14th in the table, and Hasenhuttl believes they would be higher had Ings remained fit throughout the season.

“Every season is a tough one and Ingsy again had a few problems this season,” the Southampton boss said after witnessing his side defeat Crystal Palace 3-1, with Ings getting on the scoresheet.

“Last season he was fit. He had the break when he had COVID and we could rest him a little bit more.

“I know with Danny we are a different side, because he makes the chances we need to score. It is not only the goals where we don’t think it’s a chance, because the first goal was fantastic from him.

“This is the reason why he is so important for us.”

Ings to stay at Southampton?

Ings’ contract with the club runs out in June, so speculation has been rife that he could leave at its expiration to move on to pastures new.

The likes of Manchester City, Tottenham, Everton and West Ham have all been credited with an interest in him, but Hasenhuttl believes there is still a possibility Ings could stay at St. Mary’s.

“He knows that we want him to stay with us as long as he wants. For us, it’s important that he stays with us,” the Austrian explained.

“I am also positive that it will happen, maybe not now but maybe we will find in the next few months a chance to make this happen.

“With Danny we are a different side because he makes the chances we need to score and sometimes also goals when you don’t think there is a chance. The first goal was fantastic from him.”