In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former footballer and current pundit Carlton Palmer has discussed the future of Southampton striker Danny Ings.

The former Liverpool man is currently locked in contract negotiations with the South Coast club, with the two parties reportedly not being able to agree on a release clause for the forward - that said, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl seems confident that he will stay.

It has been suggested that the 28-year-old is keen to play European football in the next few years, so whilst he is happy to stay with Southampton for now, a release clause opens up the possibility of a move to the likes of a Tottenham Hotspur or a Manchester United if they ever came calling.

Ings has been a revelation since joining Southampton on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019, as he has now contributed 40 goals and nine assists in 83 appearances for the South Coast club, including 22 in the Premier League last season, so it is no surprise that Ralph Hasenhuttl is desperate for him to stay.

Here's what Palmer had to say about the England international when speaking exclusively to FFC:

"Danny's turned his career around but Southampton have given him the opportunity to. Danny's a clever lad, he's 28. Clubs wouldn't be frightened of giving him a three-year deal. If he signs a new contract at Southampton, he's past that chance to capitalise on that prime time when he should be scoring goals.

"The thing that Danny has to consider, as well as the financial situation, is he's pushed himself into England contention for the Euros. One thing Danny can't afford to do is go to a Manchester City or a Liverpool and not play. He's already done that before.

"Sometimes, you have to go that little bit more for a player that's a little bit special. If they believe that's Danny in this case, I think they've got to go a bit extra and secure his services. Pay him the money that he wants. They won't recoup that money for him because he's going to be 31/32 but that doesn't really matter, it's what he does in the next three or four years. He's integral to them finishing off this season very very well.

"Sometimes you have to just roll the dice and pay them what they deserve. I think Danny, if he gets a good offer, will re-sign. Ralph seems pretty optimistic that he will sign a new deal."

Therefore, Palmer seems confident that Ings will sign a new deal with the South Coast club, so long as they offer him what he wants, which seems to be a release clause.

If the striker can focus on his football and help Southampton achieve a top-six finish this season, then perhaps he will be content to stay with the Saints for the long-term and enjoy European football under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

And, in other news... Hasenhuttl handed headache with £12.7m Southampton beast; he's been superb