Harry Kane’s availability has made three Premier League clubs alert. However, to everyone’s surprise, Manchester United, who are one of the three, are considering making a move for the Southampton forward, Danny Ings. But considering Kane’s price tag, Ings can be considered a cheaper alternative as he only has one more year in his contract.
Danny Ings played most of his youth career at Southampton. However, his dream of playing at his local club was shattered when he was rejected because of his height. He then joined AFC Bournemouth, where he made his professional debut for the youth team. In 2010, he was sent on a month loan.
The loan was extended further by a month. However, he was recalled due to Bournemouth’s injury crisis. He signed a contract extension for the club and went on to play a crucial role that season. His form had attracted many clubs, because of which he was awarded his 5th new contract in a year.
However, he joined the Championship side, Burnley in 2011. Ings initially struggled as he wasn’t able to secure a spot or score many goals. However, in his third season, he went rampant and scored 25 goals, helping his side get promoted to the Premier League.
After promotion, he continued his form as he registered double figures in his first season. Liverpool saw the potential and grabbed him. But his luck was so bad that he wasn’t able to perform his best at the biggest club.
2 months into his first season, he sustained an injury to his left knee, that kept him out for the remainder of the season. To make things worse, he suffered an injury to his right knee, that kept him out for another 9 months.
Danny Ings wants to prove his worth and United are interested
After 2 painful seasons, Ings finally returned to the squad. But he had lost his spot because the club had to add new strikers in his absence. And their brilliant form had shrunk his chances. He joined Southampton on loan to get some first-team exposure. That spell was convincing enough for them to make the move permanent which they did by paying Liverpool £18 million.
In his first season as a Southampton player, Ings broke the club record by becoming only the third player to cross the 20 goal mark in a Premier League season. This is his third season with The Saints and he is closing in on the 50 goal mark for the club along with the 100 appearances.
Ings was unfortunate not to succeed at Liverpool. He is keenly waiting to prove his worth at top clubs and it looks like Manchester United have heard his prayers. United are in the market for a striker. After much persuasion, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has convinced Edinson Cavani to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
“We’re looking to strengthen the squad of course. There are many, many, many things you have to consider when you put a squad together. I’m not saying that if Eddie stays that means someone else in a forward position won’t come in.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Harry Kane has been a long-time target for United. And his availability has made them pursue him. However, his price tag may come worrying for them. Tottenham will not be entertaining anything less than £100 million. Which has made United reconsider things.
As much as the Red Devils would love to have him, the board won’t spend that much money during the financially troubled period. Because of this, they have turned their attention to Danny Ings.
