In a recent interview with Football FanCast, Peterborough United director Barry Fry has claimed that Southampton should demand a huge fee in the summer if Manchester City try and sign Danny Ings.

The 28-year-old is yet to sign a new deal with the South Coast club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of next season, and the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with him ahead of the summer.

The England international has been superb for the Saints since joining from Liverpool on a £20 million deal in 2019, hitting 22 goals in the Premier League last season.

Here's what Fry had to say about the former Burnley man when speaking exclusively to FFC:

“Well, I think because it’s Manchester City, Southampton will ask for £100 million, but they won’t get nowhere near that!

“Southampton have done amazingly in the transfer market when they’ve sold some of their young players, but Ings isn’t young.

"He’s an established player. And, unfortunately, he’s had a few injuries. He’s a great player, he scores great goals, and he works his socks off, no doubt about that. He could contribute to every team in the Premier League.”

“However, Southampton could ask for more than what Man City is willing to pay. And I hope that doesn’t happen because he has been a great servant to Southampton. And I think if he’s got a year left, then obviously if he doesn’t sign another contract he can walk out in a year’s time on a free transfer, but that’s a waste of a year.

“It’s a waste of money that Southampton can get, and invest in other players. For what Danny Ings has done for Southampton, he should have the opportunity to move to a top club. They shouldn’t stand in his way. But at the same time, Man City have got to pay a proper transfer fee.”

Whilst Southampton would be fortunate to get anything close £100 million for Ings, Fry is right in that the South Coast club should not be bullied into selling the 28-year-old cheaply this summer.

After all, Ings is a proven goalscorer, homegrown and arguably at the peak of his career, having overcome the injury issues that ruined his time at Liverpool.

He is incredibly important in Ralph Hasenhuttl's side and therefore if Ings does have his heart set on a move to a top-four club this summer, vice-chairman Martin Semmens must ensure that the fee they receive for him represents his quality and is enough for them to bring in an adequate replacement.

And, in other news... Shades of Schneiderlin: Saints could repeat transfer masterclass with 19 y/o gem