Leeds United will prioritise signing a new striker this summer as the club look to learn from the near-catastrophic mistakes of last season. Patrick Bamford’s long-term injury problems almost cost the Whites their status as a Premier League team, as a failure to invest in the position forced winger Dan James to lead the line.
The club have already eyed several targets upfront, with New York City’s Valentin Castellanos and Boavista’s Alberth Elis linked with a move to Elland Road, while a full-blown Austrian raid could be underway should Victor Orta move for Salzburg’s Junior Adamu. But one option looks to be surfacing much closer to home with Aston Villa open to offers for Danny Ings if they sign a new striker themselves, according to 90min .
Villa only signed Ings last summer from Southampton for a fee of around £25 million, but the 29-year-old has only managed fleeting promise and just seven goals in 31 appearances.
READ MORE: Jesse Marsch has already explained Leeds United's transfer approach as club make busy start
“90min understands Steven Gerrard intends to bring in at least one new forward this window,” wrote Graeme Bailey. “Which would push Ings further down the Villa Park pecking order with Ollie Watkins often preferred up front.
“If Gerrard gets his wishes then Villa will listen to offers for Ings, who won't be short of suitors. Former clubs Southampton and Bournemouth have asked to be kept informed of his situation, while fellow south coast side Brighton are also keeping tabs on the 29-year-old.”
As well as Bournemouth and Brighton, Leeds should be looking at the former Liverpool forward as competition up-top. The three-cap England international could operate in either of Jesse Marsch’s front two roles, comfortably dropping into space and lining up play or hanging in the shoulder of defenders.
He is also proven as the Premier League goalscorer, with 41 goals in 91 top-flight games at Southampton. Chances are, Villa would command a fee which at least breaks them even from the sale last summer, meaning around £25 million - which, compared to price tags of between £10-15 million for Castellanos, Adamu or Elis - is significantly more.
That premium is for proven Premier League experience, and it will be up to Marsch and Orta on whether to take a risk with a cheaper option or pay the Premier League premium.
