Carlton Palmer has suggested that Southampton should sell Danny Ings this summer, despite the influence he has in Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.

What has been said about Ings?

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Palmer suggests that the South Coast club should actively be looking to cash in on the England international this summer, saying:

“I don’t like players going down into the last year of their contract.

“I would sit down with him now and say, ‘Right, listen, if you’re not going to commit to a long-term contract, it’s better that you move on now.’ Do the business now, move him on. Get some money for him and move him on.”

Should Southampton sell Ings?

Other than perhaps James Ward-Prowse, Ings is arguably the most important player in Hasenhuttl's side at the moment, evidenced by the 22 goals he scored in the 2019/20 season, and the 12 goals he managed last season despite regular spells on the sidelines.

Although he is showing signs of improvement, Che Adams lacks the natural finishing ability of Ings, and without the former Liverpool man in their side next season, Southampton could seriously struggle to score goals.

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The likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with the 28-year-old forward this summer but Hasenhuttl has claimed that he will remain a Southampton player, despite him clearly favouring a move to a 'top six' club who can offer regular European football.

Whilst it would be a tough decision, the Austrian cannot afford to lose Ings on a free transfer next summer and with it clear that he won't agree to a new deal at the club after rejecting a new four-year contract recently, cashing in on him might just be the right thing to do.

After rejecting an offer from the club last season, Ryan Bertrand was left out of Southampton's remaining fixtures, so why should Ings' situation be any different if he is no longer committed to the Saints?

Although he is an "outstanding" forward, as Eddie Howe put it, the money from his sale could be used to bring in a replacement such as the heavily-linked Adam Armstrong, and that would be a much more preferable situation than losing Ings for free next season and not having the money for a replacement, so Hasenhuttl should make the tough decision to sell him this summer.

And, in other news... Forget Armstrong: Southampton should swoop for "incredible" £4.05m-rated gem