A POTENTIAL Tottenham deal for transfer-target Danny Ings is reportedly considerably more difficult due to a frosty relationship between Saints and the north London club.

The 28-year-old striker is reportedly being eyed up by new Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo with ambitions of pairing the hit-man – who has 34 Premier League goals in the last two seasons – with Three Lions captain Harry Kane.

With only a year left on his current deal, Saints are left with the option of keeping the player but risk missing out on a fee and Ings leaving on a free transfer next summer.

The Evening Standard are reporting that Tottenham will face a challenge negotiating with the south coast club, with a Saints source stressing to the publication that they are the last Premier League club they want to do business with.

The report details how Saints were frustrated during negotiations for Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg, who made the switch in August 2020.

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Saints’ striker Ings missed out on being a part of Gareth Southgate’s European Championship finalists this summer and would reportedly be keen to test himself at the top level again, after a spell with Liverpool was hampered by injuries.

Spurs are set to compete in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League, beginning in August, after qualification through a seventh-placed league finish last term, and will require added depth.

Senior figures at Saints such as chief executive Martin Semmens have expressed confidence in recent months saying that he thinks the forward will sign a new deal, during a online fans forum back in May.