Newcastle United have firmed up their hunt over a potential swoop for Liverpool striker Danny Ings this summer after carrying out a long-term scouting mission, according to journalist Mark Douglas.
The Chronicle reporter claims on his personal Twitter account that the Magpies have been keeping tabs on the 25-year-old for approximately the past 10 months, and that they now hold “definite interest” in securing his capture, despite his lack of playing time at Anfield with just 14 outings across all competitions last season.
Definite interest from #nufc in Danny Ings. Tracked him since last autumn.
Would be a good player to bring in. A lot of striker targets have been discussed…
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) July 2, 2018
The Telegraph have claimed that Ings is destined for the exit door on Merseyside, despite the Reds wanting to keep a hold of him, as he seeks out more regular first team action, injuries having limited him to 25 appearances since signing from Burnley.
Good move for Newcastle?
The Magpies know they need additional firepower going into the new season but is Ings really the man to give them what Rafael Benitez wants?
He is hardly a proven hitman after his major injury blows and his lack of playing time will have done nothing to help him recover his eye for goal.
With Dwight Gayle, Joselu and Aleksandar Mitrovic the options, Ings does not really bring anything new to the table.
A permanent deal seems too much of a risk, but perhaps a loan deal would work out in everyone’s favour.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends on the sort of price tag Liverpool are asking for.
They seem reluctant to let him go and as such may inflate the fee beyond what Newcastle would be willing to stretch to – a likely scenario considering the Magpies’ penchant for penny pinching.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10