Southampton: Danny Ings responds to transfer talk regarding his future

Danny Ings has responded to the circulating rumours regarding his future as the summer transfer window moves ever closer.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a host of big clubs with just over a year left on his current Saints contract, although he also has a generous offer on the table should he choose to stay at St Mary’s.

Speaking to talkSPORT (via the Daily Mail), he said:

"“I’ve got a contract until the summer of 2022. I haven’t really acknowledged them (transfer rumours). I’ve just been focused on each game. Ultimately, I’ve still got a contract here. My main focus is to finish the season strong.”"

Many moving parts to Southampton’s latest transfer saga

All outcomes are still possible in this situation and a resolution will surely be found at some point this summer. An original article from the Telegraph reported that Ings was stalling on signing a new Saints deal because he wanted one last crack at the highest level with European football.

Since then Manchester City, Manchester United, Spurs and West Ham have been among the clubs credited with showing an interest in his services.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Saints have things in their favour still and, importantly, they have kept Ings committed to their own cause for this season. Although he has not reached the scoring heights that he did last campaign, he has still scored some important goals that have secured valuable points.

Given his proven Premier League record, Saints will value their main striker highly. If they are forced to sell during the off-season, they will want to be well compensated so that they can then spend money to improve their own squad.

Depth is needed anyway but that will only be highlighted further if sales are made too. Keeping core players like Ings, James Ward-Prowse and Jannik Vestergaard would undoubtedly be a boost as preparations are made for the future and younger additions are made to supplement things.

Whatever happens, Saints have to work this summer to give themselves the best possible chance to show more consistency throughout 2021/22.