BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson was proven right for his lack of optimism over Southampton’s chances of securing victory against West Ham – and issued a summer transfer prophecy in the process.
The pundit predicted a comfortable 2-0 victory for the Hammers that saw a 3-0 scoreline actualise, thanks to a quickfire Pablo Fornals brace and a late strike from Declan Rice, though his pre-match predictions focused on a perennial question over Danny Ings’ Saints future.
“Southampton are already just thinking about the summer and the big question is whether they will be able to keep hold of their star striker Danny Ings,” he said in his pre-match predictions round-up.
“Without him you would start to worry about them a little bit.
“A point would make sure West Ham finish sixth, but they have had a very good season, regardless of what happens.”
Danny Ings, whose contract expires next summer, has been linked with a host of clubs in recent months – including Manchester United.
Ings recently spoke out on his contract situation insisting his focus remains firmly rooted to the club, but the 3-cap England international nonetheless faces an uncertain contractual situation ahead of the transfer window.
Read Southampton Verdict
The importance of the 28-year-old cannot be understated.
Ings’ 12 goals and 4 assists in the Premier League this season has seen the hitman account for 34% of the Saints’ total goals this season despite only making 68% of starting XIs.
The conundrum as to whether to cash in on Ings or not will dominate the headspace of club officials for months to come as the Saints look to bounce back from a campaign of relative mediocrity.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side ultimately finished 15th by the final game of the season – a stark contrast to their 11th-placed finish in the previous season.
