Unai Emery makes Danny Ings admission amid Everton, West Ham and Southampton interest

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has made a fresh admission about striker Danny Ings – as Everton, West Ham United and Southampton look to make a transfer swoop.
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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has shut down speculation linking striker Danny Ings with a move away from the club this winter, but he did admit discussions have been had with some other players regarding potential departures.

Everton have been heavily linked with a move for the former England international this week, but Emery was strong in response when quizzed about his forward man. Ings let his football do the talking on Wednesday evening as he scored Villa’s equaliser in a tense West Midlands derby match, which ended 1-1.

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Wolves were by far the better of the two sides in the first half as they put on their best display yet under Julen Lopetegui. The Villans were merely bystanders and they were lucky to go into the break just 1-0 down, courtesy of a fine strike from Daniel Podence.

“Danny is a very good player,” Emery said post-match. “He played in the first eleven against Brighton and he scored two goals. He usually has a very good impact. Today we needed him and he helped the team. I am so happy with his commitment and performance.

“I spoke to some players about the possibility of leaving but not with him. I didn’t speak to Danny about it. The idea is to keep him in the squad. I don’t know [if there has been an offer from Everton or anyone else]. The club has not told me anything.”

The Athletic reports that Everton are one of numerous Premier League sides interested in signing Ings, whereas speculation elsewhere suggests West Ham United and Southampton may make up a couple of others. No wonder there is interest, as the 30-year-old is currently scoring 0.71 goals per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season – a stat that can only be bettered by six players.

Danny Ings scored the equaliser in Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Wolves on Wednesday evening.Danny Ings scored the equaliser in Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Wolves on Wednesday evening.
Danny Ings scored the equaliser in Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Wolves on Wednesday evening.
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With Villa still after another forward, as confirmed by Emery after the game, it perhaps would not be the best move to let Ings depart the West Midlands at this stage. Since signing from Southampton at the start of the 2021/22 campaign, Ings has netted 13 goals and contributed six assists in 47 Premier League appearances - many of which have been off the bench.

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