As reported earlier in the week on this site, nothing has really changed at St Mary's regarding Danny Ings contract situation, despite what the media may say. but what is clear is that the striker will only leave Southampton for a top club.

Danny Ings situation at Saints has not changed over the last six months, both player and club are clear on their postions, Saints will not sell Ings cheaply and may well consider that allowing the player to run his contract out and playing his final season, might well be more beneficial than selling him for anything less than £25 million.

From his own perspective Ings is happy at St Mary's but like any player he wants to play at the highest levels of the game.

That means only leaving if a big club come in for him, that means Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea or his old club Liverpool, but are any of them truly interested in a player who will be 29 when the new season starts and also has seen injury interrupt most of his last 6 or so seasons.

The answer is not at £25 million, perhaps at a cut price or for free in a years time and that may mean Saints have to sweat this one out for a year.

Even if his contract is seen through it doesn't mean that Ings will necessarily depart from his home town club in 2022, again he will only move then for a big club and it could be that even on a freebie, none of the Big Four will be interested in him.

So although obviously Saints would prefer Ings to commit in terms of a new contract, they are prepared for every eventuality.

The only real drawback is the funds to replace Ings if and when he does leave, but as it stands a fit Danny Ings for the coming season is worth £25 million, both in terms of prize money for positions and keeping us out of trouble and perhaps a tilt at glory again in the cups.

Photo: Action Images

SaintPaulVW added 13:18 - Jul 8 Basically he's running his contract down isn't he? This does make me concerned as to how commited he's going to be late next year when an injury could scupper any move. Disappointingly, if he won't commit, I think sell now is the best option for everyone. However as we all know, the player has all the power.
1

KriSaint added 13:30 - Jul 8 A contract is a contract is a contract. I think he will give his all for us if he stays - even if he is running his contract down.
1

Blogs 31 bloggers

Southampton Polls