Alan Hutton reacts as Danny Ings linked with Aston Villa exit to join Leeds United
We’re delighted to welcome former Scotland defender Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Aston Villa...
Alan Hutton is hoping that Danny Ings remains at Aston Villa this summer as exit speculation continues to swirl.
The former Villa defender did admit that everyone has a price as Sky Sports reported that Leeds and Manchester United were linked with a move for the striker.
It was suggested that Steven Gerrard has no plans to get rid as things stand, with competition for places at Villa Park looking strong for the 2022-23 season.
“They will want him in the squad because they have a lot of talent in those forward areas,” he exclusively told Villa News.
“Steven Gerrard has tried on a lot of occasions with them together, Ollie Watkins has also played out wide at times. At times, it has worked – not always. It’s been a work in progress, so everybody is fighting for their positions.
“Again, the competition for places, Steven Gerrard will want that because that is what will push those players on again. I think everybody does have a fee which would be accepted, so it will be interesting to see if somebody actually puts their cards on the table and comes in for him.
“I hope he stays.”
No need.
Aston Villa are not in a position where they need to offload any of their big-money players, with Ings still having plenty to prove after joining from Southampton last summer.
Gerrard is said to be looking for another striker to improve competition as it is, so letting one of his current options leave would defeat the object.
The 29-year-old did score seven goals and added six assists in his 30 Premier League appearances last time out, which is still a decent return for someone who wasn’t exactly at his best.
As things stand, it looks as though Ings will be raring to go in claret on that opening day trip to Bournemouth, but it will be interesting to see if anyone tests that resolve.
This is one to watch.
In other Aston Villa news, Cameron Archer is expected to be on the club’s pre-season tour of Australia.