Everton have reportedly had a bid rejected for Danny Ings already this month, and a reliable source has given an update on the club's pursuit of the player as the Toffees attempt to strengthen during the January transfer window.

What's the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed that Everton remain keen on the Aston Villa striker despite getting knocked back by the Midlands club with their previous bid.

Romano claimed in his Caught Offside daily briefing: "Danny Ings is one of two or three options being considered by Everton."

It would be a major coup

There is no doubt that Ings would be a major coup for Frank Lampard in his pursuit to not only save his job at Goodison Park but to also improve the attacking threat in the Everton team.

The Toffees are currently 18th in the Premier League table and inside the relegation zone after a number of poor performances, and to add insult to injury, they were knocked out of the FA Cup on Friday night after losing to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the third round.

Everton have the third worst goal tally in the top flight, which will come as no surprise following Richarlison's departure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's frequent absencees from the team due to a number of injury problems over the last 18 months.

As a result, signing Ings could be the season-changing deal which might save Everton from a spell in the Championship as they compete to retain their Premier League status over the second half of the campaign.

The former Liverpool striker - who was dubbed "phenomenal" by Noel Whelan - has tallied 120 goals and 36 assists over his youth and senior career so far, with a goal contribution every 154 minutes. That is an impressive and consistent output which would be a highly valuable asset to Lampard.

Across 17 league appearances this season, Ings has scored six goals, created one big chance and successfully completed 60% of his dribbles, along with averaging 1.5 shots per game.

Signing a striker who can offer consistent goal contributions will be crucial for Everton if they are to maximise their chances of staying up this season, and acquiring the services of Ings would provide them with a player who is not only a natural finisher but has the requisite Premier League experience (187 appearances) to make an instant impact on Merseyside.

If the powers at Goodison Park can secure the signing of Ings this month, it should certainly strengthen the attacking threat in front of goal and give Everton the best chance of top-flight survival once again in what looks set to be a tight relegation scrap.