Southampton’s talisman Danny Ings is reportedly set to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at the club.
Sky Sports are reporting that negotiations have begun between player and club with a view to committing much of Ings’ future to the Saints.
The 28-year-old initially joined the club on loan in the summer of 2018, making the move permanent last season where he went on to net a career-best 22 Premier League goals, with 25 in all competitions.
Three Lions return beckons
That stellar form earned the former Liverpool and Burnley man a recall to the England side, with a first cap since his debut in 2015 imminent.
Ings started slowly at Southampton having come off a string of injuries while at Liverpool, with Ralph Hasenhuttl admitting it was difficult to bring the striker up to speed with his game in the early stages.
That said, he struck a respectable seven goals in 25 appearances in his first campaign, but with renewed fitness and hunger he was able to take his game to the next level last season.
Tying their star man down has been a priority for Southampton over the summer, and supporters will be delighted that talks are underway.
Ings to retire a Saint?
Ings has been crucial in buying into Hasenhuttl’s philosophy as well as in front of goal and continues to be a leader in the dressing room at St. Mary’s.
With two years still remaining on his current deal, this extension will likely take him well into his thirties and ensure that much of the remainder of his career will be spent at Southampton.
Ings has begun pre-season well with two goals in Southampton’s 7-1 win over Swansea and will return from international duty in time for the season opener against Crystal Palace.