Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl says he is “positive” Danny Ings will stay at the club this summer, despite potential interest from some of the Premier League’s top clubs.
Ings, who was a target for Tottenham last summer, returned from injury to score twice in last night’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
The England international, who had been sidelined with a hamstring problem, has been repeatedly linked with a move away from St Mary’s and is about to enter the final year of his contract, meaning Saints may have to sell this summer or risk losing him for nothing in 12 months’ time.
Hasenhuttl admits Southampton are “a different side” when Ings plays and remains confident a new deal will be agreed.
“He knows that we want him to stay with us as long as he wants. For us, it’s important that he stays with us,” said Hasenhuttl.
“I am also positive that it will happen, maybe not now but maybe we will find in the next few months a chance to make this happen.
“With Danny we are a different side because he makes the chances we need to score and sometimes also goals when you don’t think there is a chance. The first goal was fantastic from him.
“And this is why he is important for us.”
