Should Danny Ings leave Southampton in the near future, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur having been linked with a move for the 28-year-old in recent times, Ralph Hasenhuttl might be able to trust academy talent Dan N'Lundulu to step up as the striker's replacement.

Ings has been in superb form in the last two seasons, finishing as the joint-second top scorer in the Premier League last season, after notching 22 goals in the top-flight, whilst he has started this season in a similar vein, having contributed five goals and two assists in seven Premier League appearances, resulting in a superb average rating of 7.52 (per WhoScored).

Therefore, it is unsurprising that the former Liverpool man has been linked with sides such as Spurs in recent times, and with his contract at Southampton set to expire at the end of next season, perhaps the Saints should start to consider how they can replace him.

Fortunately for the South Coast club, their excellent academy has produced some superb talents over the years, and 21-year-old Dan N'Lundulu could be the next man off the production line to make it as a Premier League player with the Saints.

The striker was poached from Chelsea's youth team back in 2013 and he has progressed through the various academy sides at Southampton and is now surely knocking on Hasenhuttl's door for a first-team spot.

The youngster has scored five goals in five Premier League 2 games so far this season, including a hat-trick in their last game against Manchester City U23s, which resulted in a 5-2 win for the Saints (per Transfermarkt).

N'Lundulu was rewarded for his efforts with a first-team debut for Southampton in their 2-0 win against Everton recently, as he came on as a late substitute in the victory against the Toffees (per Transfermarkt).

Perhaps, with Ings not expected to be back until next month, we will see N'Lundulu given more of a chance to shine in Hasenhuttl's side over the coming weeks, although he will do well to replace the in-form Che Adams at the moment.

It will be interesting to see how N'Lundulu progresses over the next couple of seasons and whether he can be the man to replace Ings should the 28-year-old depart Southampton in the near future.