SAINTS have reportedly asked to be kept informed of the situation surrounding Danny Ings, with Aston Villa said to be open to offers if they can replace him.

The 29-year-old striker made a shock move to Villa Park last summer in a deal worth around £30million, confirmed just hours before St Mary’s filled for a pre-season game.

It came after Winchester-born Ings had scored 34 Premier League goals across two seasons for Ralph Hasenhuttl, after making a permanent switch home.

However, he only went on to net seven in 30 league matches for the Villans – although one of those came during the 4-0 destruction of Saints in the Midlands this year.

Daily Echo: Danny Ings scored against his former side in March (Pic: PA)Danny Ings scored against his former side in March (Pic: PA)

And according to 90min, Aston Villa are willing to entertain offers for the forward if they are able to replace him in the summer window that opened yesterday.

The report details they do intent to bring that additional forward in and push Ings further down the pecking order, with England international Ollie Watkins already preferred.

They go on to add that AFC Bournemouth have also asked to be kept abreast of the scenario, while Premier League rivals Brighton are also monitoring Ings.

As well as scoring on the international stage for the Three Lions, Ings has 62 goals to his name across a Premier League career that included Burnley and Liverpool.

Saints are in the market for another striker this summer after Armando Broja returned to Chelsea following his season-long loan spell.

The club have claimed they are still in negotiations with Shane Long about extending his stay, with the Irishman’s contract set to expire this summer.

Meanwhile, 90min are also reporting that Championship Middlesbrough are interested in a loan move for two-goal Adam Armstrong.

The 25-year-old was signed by Saints last August in a deal worth around £15million, as a direct replacement for the departing Ings.

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