Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT that he believes reported Tottenham target Danny Ings has been ‘tapped up’ this summer.
The striker, according to the Athletic, has turned down a lucrative new contract offer from Southampton, which would have made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
The 28-year-old had been in negotiations to extend his existing terms, which are due to expire in 2022. But the striker has turned down the offer as he intends to pay for a team competing towards the top of the table.
This means that Ings could potentially leave on a free next summer, or the Saints could be forced to look for a sale over the next six months or so.
Murphy claimed that he finds the Ings situation strange: “With the injuries that he has had, I find it strange that with a year left he’s not signing that contract.
“I think there can only be two reasons. One, that it’s not quite right, which needs a new few bits. But that doesn’t sound right because if it’s the best offer they have put forward to any player in their history then it’s going to be pretty good dough.
“It sounds like he has been tapped up. I cannot see any other scenario other than he’s been tapped up. Why else wouldn’t he sign?
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“He has had the injury problems you have had. You are 28-years-old. He’s earnt okay. This is the contract that is going to make him. He’s been tapped. I cannot see any other way.”
The Athletic have also reported that Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham have shown an interest in signing the former Liverpool striker.
Spurs Web Opinion:
Manchester City reportedly bid £100 million for Harry Kane two weeks ago are open to including players in addition to the cash offer, but Tottenham rejected the bid. With that saga only starting, Tottenham could definitely be in the market for a centre-forward.
Danny Ings rejecting his contract offer with Southampton will have a lot of Premier League circling. He is a great forward and has the CV now to back it up.
But, if Harry Kane is to leave, is Danny Ings — who is injury prone — a worthy Kane replacement?
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