Everton have been dealt a blow, as Aston Villa striker is not available on a loan deal, Vinny O'Connor has claimed.

What's the word?

Everton have reportedly had a loan bid rejected for the Englishman, as they desperately seek out firepower to add to their squad.

Villa are seemingly willing to let the 30-year-old leave, but only if they can receive a good fee which Unai Emery can reinvest into the rest of his squad.

Everton have struggled this season, and find themselves in the relegation zone. Frank Lampard is keen to add goals to this side, and Ings would arrive as a Premier League-proven striker with a good record in front of goal.

Speaking on Sky Sports, O'Connor stated that Villa are unwilling to let Ings leave on loan, in a blow to The Toffees, who may struggle to afford him permanently.

"There's conversation which has been happening between Everton and Villa for Danny Ings," he stated.

"Everton would like to take him on loan, and that makes sense to Everton as you look at the age of Danny Ings at the moment, you look at the injury problems as well.

"Everton need a goalscorer, they need a goalscorer of proven quality, obviously Danny Ings fits that but Everton are also looking towards the longer term as well, and they've had a number of players come in on long-term contracts, big wages and it's not necessarily worked out.

"A loan deal would suit Everton, but at the same time, what we're hearing is it doesn't necessarily suit Aston Villa, who would maybe be a bit more receptive to a permanent move for Danny Ings."

Desperation for Lampard

Lampard needs to add goals, and quickly, to his side, if he is to keep them up, or indeed even keep his job.

Although Ings could be a decisive signing in the relegation battle, Everton may not be able to afford another expensive transfer for an ageing player, but they will need to find an alternative solution to Ings.

One option could be Blackburn forward Ben Brereton-Diaz, who has been linked with the club.

If Everton fail to bring in a player who can score goals as soon as he arrives, then they may suffer their first-ever relegation from the Premier League.