Aston Villa have been mentioned as one of the sides interested in signing England and Southampton striker Danny Ings.

What's the story?

Ahead of the Three Lions' EURO 2020 semi-final clash against Denmark tonight, news emerged that Ings - who of course isn't a part of Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for the tournament - had turned down a new contract offer from the Saints.

And now, according to The Athletic, Villa, along with fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Tottenham have all shown an interest in signing the England international this summer.

The striker has just a year left on his existing deal at St Mary's, so could either leave on a cut-price deal in the transfer window or exit on a free transfer next summer.

NSWE mean business

The £19.8m-rated Ings enjoyed another fantastic campaign in the Premier League last season, firing in 12 goals in just 29 top-flight games - that followed up from his Golden Boot winning year the season before when he bagged 22.

Ex-Premier League striker Clinton Morrison once compared Ings to Robbie Keane for his "first-class" movement, while his current boss at St Mary's, Ralph Hasenhuttl has lauded his exploits as "unbelievable".

Having already clinched shrewd deals for Ashley Young and Josh Feeney, and a record-breaking signing for Emi Buendia, this latest interest in Ings is a major sign of NSWE's ambition.

The club, of course, are also being linked with a stunning swoop for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe, but a move for the proven player like Ings would be a real statement of intent.

If Villa can successfully fend off competition from both the Hammers and Spurs for Ings, then it would show NSWE really do mean business.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have been handed a transfer boost over this star...