Aston Villa transfer news: Luis Suarez claim issued after source’s update – Phillips
Kevin Phillips has urged Aston Villa to keep Danny Ings this summer instead of signing Luis Suarez.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Villa hitman insisted the 29-year-old is a “fantastic” striker capable of forging a deadly partnership with Ollie Watkins.
A recruitment source told Football Insider on Friday that Ings is a transfer target for Brighton this summer, though it remains to be seen whether Villa are willing to let him leave.
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has reported (12 March) that Gerrard is set to monitor Suarez’s situation at Atletico Madrid with a view to a potential summer move.
However, Phillips suggested Ings would be a better option up front than the 35-year-year-old Uruguayan.
Phillips told Football Insider’s Dylan Childs: “It’s a difficult one. I’ve always said how much I like Danny Ings, I think he’s a fantastic striker.
“He’s not had too many opportunities at Villa. You would suggest just by that, him sitting on the bench a bit more than Ollie Watkins, he would probably be the player to move on.
“I’d love to see him and Ollie Watkins being able to work together. They’re two very, very good strikers.
“The suggestion of bringing Suarez back to the Premier League with Aston Villa, I’m not so sure, being honest. I don’t think he’d be the same player he was. The Premier League’s moved on.
“I’d rather keep Ings and Ollie Watkins than look to bring a Suarez in, if I’m being honest. I’m hoping they’re both there at the start of next season and challenging for a place in the side.”
Ings has netted five goals in 24 Villa appearances since his summer move from Southampton.
Meanwhile, Suarez has scored 11 times in 37 games for Atletico this season.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Aston Villa are preparing new bumper contract offer.