Southampton keen on West Ham striker | OneFootball

Southampton are eyeing a potential move for West Ham United striker Danny Ings, according to a report from talkSPORT.

The Saints are currently preparing for life back in the Premier League, but they will need to strengthen several positions if they are to give themselves the best chance of remaining at the top level for the long term.

Having sold key players, including James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento last summer, as well as Nathan Tella, they need to reinvest a lot of that money generated back into the playing squad.

The forward department is one area that needs to be addressed, with Che Adams yet to put pen to paper on a new contract despite the fact his existing deal expires this summer.

Not only this, but Paul Onauchu isn't guaranteed to remain at the club and neither is Sekou Mara, who hasn't been one of the first names on the teamsheet under Russell Martin during the 2023/24 campaign.

Dom Ballard, meanwhile, is surely a player who will go out on loan again following the Saints' promotion to the Premier League.

It would be a surprise to see Adam Armstrong and Ross Stewart move on from St Mary's during the summer window, but the latter has been injured for much of the past two years and may need to have his game time limited to reduce the risk of him sustaining another serious injury.

Armstrong has also played out wide at times during the 2023/24 campaign and may be needed there following the end of David Brooks and Ryan Fraser's loan spells on the south coast.

Southampton targeting move for Danny Ings

The Saints are in contention to secure two reunions during the early stages of the summer, with Adam Lallana reportedly set to link up with his old club again after being released by Brighton and Hove Albion.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis' move to the club has also been made permanent following their promotion, with Martin's side becoming active during the early stages of the summer.

Now, the Saints may be setting their sights on recruiting a striker, with their former forward Ings thought to be on their radar ahead of the summer.

The 31-year-old is currently at West Ham, but has been unable to establish himself as a major success there.

Southampton could secure double deal for West Ham pair

Registering 14 goals and eight assists in 52 competitive appearances for Aston Villa, that shows Ings can be a real threat at the top level.

His record with the Irons makes him a less attractive player to sign, but if he's available on a reasonably cheap deal, he could be worth taking a risk on.

It would be difficult to see the Irons making too much of an effort to hold on to him and with just one year left on his contract, he could be a cheap option.

Flynn Downes could be more expensive, but he could be included in a double deal.

Both of these players could help to strengthen the Saints' chances of remaining in the top tier beyond the end of next season, so they could be good signings.