Southampton want to bring former striker Danny Ings back to the club in January, Alex Crook has claimed.

What's the word?

The England international left Southampton for Aston Villa for around £25m in 2021, and has scored 14 times in 50 games for the club.

Ings was sensational at Southampton, scoring 46 and assisting ten times in 100 games before his move, and could make a return to the club, with Villa wanting to generate extra funds for Unai Emery to spend.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Crook claimed that Southampton are interested in a move, as they desperately seek to add goals to their team.

"They want a forward as well. Danny Ings is one to keep an eye on," he stated.

The key to staying up?

Southampton are currently bottom of the Premier League with 15 goals in 18 games and desperately need a reliable forward who can help keep them up.

Ings would arrive as someone familiar with the club and proven in the league, who could hit the ground running instantly and help save Nathan Jones' side from relegation.

If he is available in the winter window, there may be other interest in the 30-year-old, but given his allegiance to the club he may choose to return to Saint Mary's, and he could help decide the relegation battle on his own.