Speaking recently on TalkSport, reporter Alex Crook revealed who Manchester City are lining up to replace Sergio Aguero this summer, including Southampton star Danny Ings.
Aguero is City’s all-time leading goalscorer, however, injury issues have restricted the 32-year-old to just 310 minutes of Premier League action this season.
With the striker’s contract set to expire in just a few months’ time, and no sign that he’s been offered a new deal, it’s widely believed that the former Atletico Madrid man is set to depart at the end of the current campaign.
Therefore, Pep Guardiola’s side have been linked with several top forwards ahead of the upcoming transfer window, and Crook revealed who has made the shortlist.
He said: “I think there is some truth that Manchester City would be interested in Danny Ings. I think they have a very extensive list of targets this summer. I think it’s going to be a big summer for Pep Guardiola, especially when it comes to looking for a successor for Sergio Aguero.
“We should say, at this stage, it isn’t guaranteed that Sergio Aguero won’t be offered a new contract at the Etihad. I think they’re still hoping that he can prove his fitness between now and the end of the season. But even if he does sign a new contract, and he has lots of options on the table at the moment, clearly, they need to strengthen their attack.
“I think you could almost put Manchester City’s recruitment into two camps. They’ve got a list of headliners, if you like, Erling Haaland would certainly be on that list. Although my understanding is that Manchester City reluctant to get into any kind of bidding war with Chelsea and with Manchester United for him, we know both clubs are very interested in Haaland, I think most clubs in Europe are interested in Haaland.
“They were linked with Romelu Lukaku as well. Now, I think there’s some smoke to that fire. I think Danny Ings would almost be on the secondary list of backup options. That’s not to say they wouldn’t be interested in bringing him to the Etihad, but I don’t think he would necessarily be a direct replacement for Sergio Aguero, more somebody just to come in and bolster their striking options as they try and compete on multiple fronts.
“And I think as far as Danny Ings is concerned if Manchester City were to back up that interest with a bid, I think he would be very interested as most players would be in making the move and linking up with Pep Guardiola.”
TIF Thoughts on Manchester City’s striker search…
Whoever comes in to replace Aguero this summer will have huge boots to fill. The Argentina international has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five League Cups during his time on English shores, cementing himself as one of City’s all-time greats in the process.
Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has established a fearsome reputation during his short time with the Bundesliga side, scoring an incredible 49 goals in 49 games for BVB, but the £99m-rated man (as per Transfermarkt) may be too expensive for any side to buy in the next window given the financial impact coronavirus has had; even City.
Lukaku has revitalised his career in Serie A with Antonio Conte’s Inter, while Ings has enjoyed a renaissance at Southampton, whether either of them can live up to Guardiola’s demands remains to be seen, but the pair are undoubtedly natural goalscorers; as their individual records show.