‘They are trying’: Sky journalist says Everton are plotting move for ‘brilliant’ £25m forward

Wed 4 January 2023 20:45, UK

Everton have set their sights on Aston Villa striker Danny Ings, according to reports.

The Toffees are in dire straits at present and are desperately in need of attacking reinforcements.

Everton are battling relegation following a run of seven games without a win.

On Tuesday, the Toffees fell to a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

In addition, Everton have also scored the fourth-least number of goals in the Premier League this season.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has once again been plagued by injury problems.

Meanwhile, summer signing Neal Maupay has scored just once in 13 outings.

Now, it looks as though Frank Lampard is looking to Ings in a bid to bolster his attacking ranks.

Sky Sports lead reporter Kaveh Solhekol issued an update on the Ings to Everton speculation on .

“There’s reports emerging tonight that Everton have had an offer turned down for Aston Villa forward Danny Ings,” he said (4/1/23, 19:24).

“Ings hasn’t been playing for Villa, he’s on the bench this evening.

“Behind the scenes, Everton are clearly trying to strengthen their squad. They desperately need goals.

“They are trying to sign Ings – Villa would want a permanent move to sell.

“In the short-term, it looks like Frank Lampard is staying in charge.”

‘One of the smartest players I have ever played with’

Ings is a good shout for Everton, a Premier League veteran with a proven scoring track record in the English game.

He has made over 330 club appearances during his career, registering 114 goals.

The man has also won three England caps and scored once for his country.

Aston Villa teammate Matty Cash recently lauded his talent and intelligence.

“I was delighted for Danny,” the quotes him as saying.

“He is one of the smartest players I have played with.

“His record speaks for itself. He’s scored goals at the highest level.

“Any striker needs goals and he got them at Brighton.

“His movement in front of goal is brilliant. He knows when to run and when to get in the middle of the goal.

“That is why he has scored so many goals in his career.

“Any striker needs to watch him and his movement because he is brilliant.”

Ings has played 16 times in the league for Villa this season, scoring five goals so far.

However, it is believed that Unai Emery wants a more long-term option.

With Ings’ contract set to expire in 18 months, this may be the last chance to get a sizeable transfer fee for him.