SAINTS striker Danny Ings is being considered as a summer transfer "option" for Manchester City, according to a report in The Athletic.

Ings, whose contract at St Mary's expires in the summer of 2022, has been heavily linked with various clubs in recent months.

And The Athletic claim Man City are now eyeing him up as a potential recruit at the end of this season.

With reported uncertainty over long-term striker Sergio Aguero's future, City are said to be looking to boost their forward department.

And, as well as Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, Ings is said to be one of their options if they club pursue signing two strikers in the transfer window.

The report goes on to say City could look for "creative solutions" such as "sending players in the opposite direction as part of the package".

Ings, who has missed some game time through injury this season, is Saints' top scorer this campaign with eight goals from his 19 appearances.

The 28-year-old has netted 40 goals in total for Saints in 86 games since joining the club in 2018.