Tottenham have been handed a boost in their pursuit of long-term target Danny Ings as he is holding off signing a new deal with Southampton.
The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the best strikers outside of the Premier League's top clubs, reviving his career on the south coast following an injury-plagued stint at Liverpool.
Spurs eyed a move for the England international in the summer before opting to sign Carlos Vinicius instead but an opportunity to sign Ings may have now presented itself.
The Telegraph reports the forward is keen on securing a move to a club who can provide Champions League football and is holding off penning a new deal with Saints.
Southampton are prepared to make Ings their best-paid player in history with a new contract that ties him down to the next four years.
However, they are reluctant to agree to a release clause as they believe it would limit the fee they can receive for his services and would instead prefer to try their luck on the open market.
Ings' contract situation is appealing though as he has entered the final 18 months of his contract and it puts the striker in a promising position heading into the summer.
Spurs will certainly be in the running for Ings' services but there is a belief that Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool may be in the market for attacking reinforcements.
Ings' return of 25 goals in all competitions, along with seven games in 14 matches this season, makes him a very attractive option.
