Former Southampton defender, Francis Benali, has admitted that he fears the Saints might lose striker Danny Ings at the end of the season amidst interest from Tottenham.
The 27-year-old is having an outstanding campaign at St Mary’s following his move from Liverpool last summer, having struck eighteen times in all competitions so far this season (transfermakrt).
Spurs were linked with a move for Ings in January (Daily Star) but eventually failed in their pursuit to sign a striker before the close of the transfer window. However, the striker has been touted as a possible target for the Lilywhites this summer (talkSPORT).
Benali raved about Ings’ performances and insisted that he deserved an opportunity for England off the back of the season he is having on the South Coast.
Speaking to Sky Sports News (16/03/20 at 14:25 pm), he said: “He (Ings) has been outstanding. He has been a huge reason behind Southampton’s turnaround and their fortunes. We know the quality he possesses.
“It’s always been a case of keeping him fit and keeping him on the pitch. He is doing that now, he’s looking after himself extremely well and that confidence is there for everyone to see. The goals that he scores. He has to be in the England frame.”
The 51-year-old, however, worried that the former Reds striker might be on his way out of the club in the summer.
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When asked about the possibility of the striker leaving, Benali responded: “That is always the concern. Anyone who has played well, it is a worry [that he’ll leave] and history shows that [for Southampton].
“Quite rightly. I think anybody that performs well, at any club really, at Man City or Liverpool, if they are catching the eye then there will be other clubs interested in signing players.
“The form Danny Ings has been in this season. The goals he has scored, for sure. There are going to be clubs who will want a player of his calibre and he’ll be attracting some interest.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It would be quite an amazing coup if we somehow manage to tempt Ings to North London this summer as he is guaranteed to score goals and take some burden off Kane’s shoulders. However, I highly doubt the 27-year-old would want to come to Spurs and risk playing second fiddle to Kane, particularly after his experiences at Liverpool for the past three seasons.
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