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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ben Husband

Man Utd look to capitalise on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool transfer regret

Jurgen Klopp’s record in the transfer market since his Liverpool appointment in 2015 is second to none.

With the help of Michael Edwards, the German has transformed fortunes at Anfield, fired by a supreme track record in windows.

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson have all arrived to become the best in the world in their respective positions.

Add in players like Sadio Mane, Fabinho and Andy Robertson and it’s clear just how important their recruitment has been.

But one deal Klopp failed to get through was a contract extension for Danny Ings.

Jurgen Klopp tried and failed to keep Danny Ings at Anfield (Pool via REUTERS)

The striker was highly rated on Merseyside, despite suffering a horrific knee injury that saw him miss almost a year of football.

After making just 25 appearances in three seasons with the Reds, Klopp was so impressed that he tried to tie him to a new deal, according to Mail Sport.

However, looking to kick his career on, he joined Southampton on a loan-to-buy arrangement, with Ings himself admitting that he had the final decision.

“The best way to say it is that they didn't push me out of the door,” Ings said last year. “It was in my court to leave.

“What an experience it was to be among all that, so to have it taken away from me hurt. It really hurt.

Klopp admitted he felt "strange" after selling the striker (Getty Images Europe)

“I just knew I had to go and make a name for myself and be the player I wanted to be.”

Klopp went as far to say he felt “strange” about selling the striker, such was his underlying talent.

And on the south coast Ings has realised that potential, scoring 46 goals in just 97 games.

It’s form that has resulted in England honours and a host of ‘big six’ clubs clamouring for his signature.

Reports from the Telegraph earlier this week suggest that Manchester United have an eye on the 28-year-old, despite signing Edinson Cavani to a new one-year contract.

After a prolific spell with Southampton, Man Utd have been linked with a move (Pool via REUTERS)

Saints boss Hasenhuttl is adamant his star man will stay, instead focusing on improving his side after an up-and-down campaign.

"I am confident that he will stay,” he told reporters in his final pre-match press conference of the season.

"I have a few positions in my mind that we need to strengthen. We need to look at what we need, what shape we play and what changes there will be. We will have a look."

But he’s defied a manager’s wishes before and this time, it could lead him back to the top of the English game.

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