Report: Southampton now walk away from deal to sign West Ham star over financial issue

Southampton have distanced themselves from a move for West Ham United striker Danny Ings due to his high wage demands, according to talkSPORT. Ings, who spent three years at Southampton from 2019 to 2021, has been linked with a return to the club following their promotion to the Premier League.

However, his current wage of £120,000-per-week at West Ham is deemed too high for Southampton, who are looking to add more players to their squad for Premier League survival.Ings has been deemed surplus to requirements at West Ham, who are looking to offload him to make way for a new striker. Alexander Sorloth has been touted as a potential target, but a move for the Norwegian depends on West Ham’s ability to sell Ings.

Southampton’s decision to pull out of the race for Ings’ signature is a significant blow to both clubs, as the striker’s experience and goal-scoring record in the Premier League would have been a valuable asset for the Saints.Southampton’s current striking options lack Premier League experience, with Adam Armstrong, Ross Stewart, and Paul Onuachu failing to impress in the top flight. Che Adams’ future at the club is also uncertain, with his contract expiring on June 30 and other clubs showing interest in the striker.

Russell Martin, Southampton’s manager, will need to look elsewhere for a striker who can lead the line and help the team survive in the Premier League.Ings’ decision to stay at West Ham and fight for his place in the team is understandable, given his high wages and the lure of playing in London.

However, his reluctance to join Southampton has left both clubs in a difficult position, with West Ham struggling to offload him and Southampton lacking a proven goal-scorer in their ranks.The situation highlights the challenges faced by Premier League clubs in the transfer market, where high wages and demanding players can make it difficult to complete deals.

Southampton’s decision to pull out of the race for Ings’ signature may be a wise one, given the need to balance the books and build a sustainable squad for the long term. However, the club’s failure to sign a proven striker like Ings may come back to haunt them in the Premier League next season.