OPINION
Newcastle are reportedly interested in luring Liverpool’s forgotten man Danny Ings to St. James’ Park this summer as the striker looks to reignite his career.
The Sun claim that the 25-year-old is attracting the attention of Newcastle but the report claims that he looks set to remain at Anfield in order to work on regaining his fitness.
That could see Newcastle, who are also keen on signing Ings’ attacker teammate Sheyi Ojo, shelve plans to sign the one-time England international, who has been sidelined for the majority of the last two seasons with two separate anterior cruciate knee problems.
It is said that the newly-promoted outfit Brighton are also keen on signing the striker on a permanent basis, while former side Burnley are eyeing a potential loan move that would see him return to Turf Moor.
Ings managed just two senior appearances in the EFL Cup last season but the Premier League trio still believe that he is able to find the back of the net in England’s top flight.
This Is Futbol considers whether a deal would help Newcastle in their fight against relegation, and how likely the Magpies are from agreeing a transfer with Liverpool.
Good move for Newcastle?
Benitez desperately need a new striker at St. James’ Park, following the departures of Adam Armstrong and Daryl Murphy who have since joined Championship sides Bolton and Nottingham Forest respectively.
It leaves just Dwight Gayle and Aleksander Mitrovic as Benitez’s options, with the latter’s future in doubt after a disappointing 2016-17 campaign that saw him score just six times.
The Evening Chronicle claim the 22-year-old can leave the club if a bid of £16million is made, with Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Lyon all said to be keen.
Adding a striker that is proven in the Premier League is vital. Ings has scored 13 goals and laid on another four assists in his 41 appearances in England’s top tier.
The former Bournemouth striker would be the ideal signing at Newcastle as he possesses many similar traits to Gayle, and knows how to help a side avoid relegation following his 2014-15 campaign with Burnley.
This Is Fubtol rating: 9/10.
Likely to happen?
Newcastle will have to do some serious persuading if they are to convince Ings to join the Magpies this summer, with the striker’s concentration said to be on regaining his fitness before considering anything else.
However, with three weeks remaining in the summer window, Ings will know he has to gain some kind of first-team football in order to complete his recovery.
The Toon will be able to provide Liverpool’s number 28 with regular first-team involvement and help Ings reignite his career as a proven Premier League striker ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
Remaining at Anfield, there is little chance that Ings will get a chance, as Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge remain above him in the striker pecking order.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10.