SWANSEA, WALES - Monday, May 19, 2014: England's Danny Ings in action against Wales during the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying Group 1 match at the Liberty Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Danny Ings to Liverpool looking “more and more likely”

The Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce has had his say on rumours linking Liverpool with a move for Burnley striker Danny Ings in the summer.

SWANSEA, WALES - Monday, May 19, 2014: England's Danny Ings in action against Wales during the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifying Group 1 match at the Liberty Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The in-form Englishman has scored nine goals for the Clarets this season, and having been heavily linked in January, Pearce told Anfield HQ he firmly believes the 22-year-old could be a Reds player next season.

“The interest is definitely genuine. A deal’s not done by any stretch of the imagination, but if I was a betting man I’d say it’s looking more and more likely that he will join in the summer.

“He would be available for £3 million, which for someone with his youth and talent would be a good piece of business by the club.

“He’s a decent fit for Liverpool because he’s athletic, energetic and has a good touch. It does raise question marks about the futures of Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert though.”

On the subject of Balotelli, Pearce claims the Italian’s days at Anfield are not numbered just yet, following his winning goal against Tottenham, but that he will have to buck his ideas up if he is to remain a Liverpool player.

“Brendan Rodgers has shown with Jordan Henderson and Fabio Borini that he is willing to give his players second chances, and he is not one to hold grudges. If Balotelli knuckles down this could be the start of something.

“It’s still hard to see him becoming a pivotal part of the side though.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 10, 2015: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli scores the third goal againstTottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Finally, Pearce discussed the remainder of the Reds’ season, believing there is plenty to be positive about as the business end of the campaign approaches.

“If someone had said a couple of months ago Liverpool would be in this position, any fan would’ve bitten their hand off.

“The top four is the overriding target, but Rodgers is aware that managers are judged on the trophies they win. He’s desperate to mark his third season with a trophy and Liverpol have a good chance of that.

“They go to Crystal Palace a transformed side from the one that lost at Selhurst Park in November, and with so many other big clubs bowing out, the FA Cup is a glorious opportunity to win a trophy this season.

“If Daniel Sturridge stays fit I believe Liverpool will get top four. There are so many other players coming on strong, and the team is getting better and better as the season goes on.”

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