Southampton and Ralph Hasenhuttl could face a major squad conundrum in the summer and will surely be pondering a scenario in which they are somewhat forced into selling Danny Ings.
According to talkSPORT, the 28-year-old’s representatives have been deadlocked in negotiations with the club for some time over a new contract, with disagreements over the size of a release clause for the England international holding up a deal.
Ings has been nothing short of a revelation for the Saints since his £20m switch from Liverpool was preceded by a fruitful, goal-laden loan spell. He has scored 42 goals and supplied nine assists in 90 games in a Southampton shirt and has swiftly established himself as a jewel in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s crown.
However, at 28 years of age and fast approaching the final 12 months of his Southampton contract, this may be the last big chance in Ings’ career to secure a big-money move and play in European competition before he enters his 30s.
Speaking on talkSPORT, journalist Alex Crook said that Ings has been showing the body language of someone who is ‘not a happy bunny’, while Tottenham have been heavily linked with the striker as an alternative to Harry Kane.
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A willingness to renew a deal does seem to be on the table for Ings, but a release clause can only have one objective in mind: to enable a smooth acquisition process for an elite domestic or European club – an acquisition financially favourable to Southampton.
Compromising on the issue appears to be the main sticking point, but a protracted saga could cause a ‘stick or twist’ conundrum at St Mary’s.
If talks continue to stall going into the summer, Southampton may be forced to cash in as best they can for their top scorer.
