Burnley striker Danny Ings has had an impressive start to this Championship campaign. With 20 goals in 28 games, and as the Clarets top scorer, he may be a bargain for a Premier League club to sign. Ings is another young player with a massive potential for the future and really has exploded onto the football stage.
After starting out his career with Southampton, Ings was released to Bournemouth’s delight who snapped him up. The striker progressed through Bournemouth’s youth set up and after very hard work he resultantly serene his first team debut for the Cherries in October 2009. After a season blighted with injury, he was loaned out to Non-League side, Dorchester town.
The loan spell at Dorchester was a short one Ings played 13 games which resulted in 7 goals; a reasonable record. He scored in his debut, as well for the side, and after three months with the club, returned to his parent club, Bournemouth, as a series of injuries hit the squad.
The injuries at Bournemouth gave Ings the opportunity that he needed to earn his place in the starting line up on a frequent basis as he really cemented his place in the squad. As the season went on Ings grew in confidence and this showed in partial as he netted 4 times in three games. His good form attracted some interest and Burnley managed to sign him for a fee of roughly £1 Million.
Ings began his career at Turf Moor in somewhat unfortunate circumstances as he suffered a nasty injury leading him to miss out on 5 months of action. When he returned, he had a frustrating spell on the sidelines. He finished his season on a moral high netting 3 goals in the final 2 months.
The next season, Ings was prepared with a series of games pre-season. Yet unfortunately, his season was ruined due to another injury leaving him another spell on the sidelines; 6 months. This season was a frustrating spell for him, but the next season starkly contrasted to his previous injury woes.
Sean Dyche’s men played the first Championship game of the season which Ings opened the scoring in as well as contributing with goals in his next two games. Ings then began rampant form scoring 10 goals in his next 11 games for the Clarets. This form earned him recognition for the England U21’s as well. The goals kept coming thick and fast and will have done his reputation well, as well as the two goals against Huddersfield Town on New Year’s Day and a goal against Premier League high flyers at the weekend in the FA Cup.
Transfer possibilities
Southampton are the bookies favourites to sign their ex-player and it’s hardly a surprise give his form. Southampton have pulled off a remarkable season so far and have shocked a host of clubs with the some exhibition football. This would be a fantastic move for the 21 year old.
If he moved to the southern club he could renew his old partnership with Jay Rodriguez from when the two were together at Burnley. With Southampton looking for a high finish and Ings only at a young age he has the potential to really lay solid foundations for his promising career here. With previous product of the academy Gareth Bale and many other players coming through in recent years, they may hold the key ingredients to his future. With a likely role as a squad rotation player it would also ensure that he didn’t take a step up to the Premier League too quickly. He could also benefit from the high standards and quality from such players as Adam Lallana who could help to settle him into the side.
Celtic
The second favourites to capture the in-form striker and may be one of the most desperate to attempt to sign him. Celtic have looked to fill the hole left by the loss of Gary Hooper since his move to Norwich and they may see Ings as a potential replacement.
With many goals to his name, a man who is not just excelling at his football but is also enjoying it to a reasonably high standard and a wonderful future ahead of him, Celtic may be very interested in him. His pace and finishing qualities could cause serious problems for defenders in the SPL. He may also look to link up with James Forrest and aim for a regular spot in the side to seem himself a place in Europe,in the Champions League.
Burnley
With Burnley successfully getting his striker partner Sam Vokes to sign a contract, Ings may feel like he should stay at the club and fire them to a potential promotion. With Burnley currently sitting in second he may attempt to play Premier League football with the club who he is already at.
Sean Dyche will certainly want to keep hold of him after letting Vokes agree a new contract and for the future of Burnley it would be highly beneficial if they could keep the strike partnership together however they may be convinced otherwise if the right bid comes in.
Some other interested clubs include the likes of Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle and Cardiff. I personally believe he will stay at Burnley and that he will be convinced into firing them into promotion come May but only Ings knows where he wants to be.
