Express & Star reporter Luke Hatfield believes Aston Villa boss Dean Smith opted to sign Danny Ings as a cheaper alternative to Tammy Abraham.
In the hours leading up to confirmation of Jack Grealish’s British transfer record move to Manchester City, Villa shocked fans with the £25million signing of prolific Southampton frontman Ings.
The former Liverpool frontman has switched to Villa Park after scoring 12 goals in 29 Premier League appearances last season.
Is Danny Ings better than Tammy Abraham?
Yes
No
Villa had also been linked with Abraham, who has become an outcast since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as Chelsea’s head coach in January.
Abraham has only made seven appearances under the German and Villa were rumoured to be one of the clubs chasing the England international.
The striker played a key role as Villa won promotion back to the Premier League in 2019, scoring 26 goals in 40 appearances while on loan.
But Hatfield claims a return is not in the offing as Villa opted to sign Ings instead of Abraham.
He told TIF: “They probably looked at Ings and figured he might fit in the system a little bit better. He’s got a similar work rate to Ollie Watkins, is quick and clearly knows where the net is.
“He’s a little bit older than Tammy but they’re probably paying less for Ings.
“Ings was someone on the target list and they realised Grealish was on his way, so that was the time to pounce.”