Everton have reportedly seen a loan bid for Aston Villa striker Danny Ings rejected but Frank Lampard's side must now push to sign him on a permanent deal.
What's the word?
Daily Mail journalist Dominic King revealed on Wednesday evening: "Everton have had a bid to sign Danny Ings on loan rejected by Aston Villa. The only way Villa will allow Ings to move is on a permanent deal. A number of other clubs are interested in him. Be a situation to watch."
The former Liverpool and Southampton man showcased his ability in front of goal on Wednesday night as he rescued a point for Unai Emery's side at home to Wolves and it is easy to see why Unai Emery would want to keep him at the club.
However, he has started just twice under his new manager and may seek a January move away if there is a promise of him being the first name on the team sheet, which given his goal record in the top flight, he surely would be at Goodison Park.
Lampard needs him
Despite starting just eight games in the top flight so far this campaign, Ings boasts six goals, which is twice as many as Everton's current top goalscorers Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray, which already emphasises what he would add to Lampard's squad.
The Toffees have scored 4.69 fewer goals than expected so far this campaign, which suggests that they need a clinical finisher in their side if they are going to stave off relegation once again this year.
Ings would certainly provide a finishing ability at Everton which Lampard currently lacks in his squad, as the former England international has contributed an impressive 68 Premier League goals in his career thus far.
Former Leeds United man Noel Whelan was full of praise for Ings and his partnership with Ollie Watkins when speaking to Football Insider last year, offering a glimpse into the sort of qualities he could offer alongside the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin if he joined the Toffees.
Whelan said: "He is a phenomenal finisher as well, and we’re really seeing that partnership work with Watkins. They’re building that telepathy, which is key to any good side.
“It’s what we’ve been asking for. They’ve had questions asked of them, criticism about the lack of goals – but they’ve shown exactly why Aston Villa paid the money to get them both in."
Ings' experience and ability in front of goal make him the ideal player to have in a relegation dog fight so after seeing their loan approach turned down, Everton must splash the cash on the 30-year-old forward this month. It could just be the perfect remedy they need in saving themselves from relegation.