‘Pull the trigger’ – Everton urged to bid for Saints striker

Former Everton player Kevin Campbell has backed the Toffees to ‘pull the trigger’ and move for Danny Ings.

The Southampton striker could be available this summer after rejecting a new four-year contract at St Mary’s.

Rumours suggest he wants to leave in search of a new challenge, potentially at a top six club.

ITV need to go off-script and make one final decision

But Campbell, who scored 48 goals in 157 games for Everton, believes Rafa Benitez should launch a bid.

Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said: “He’s a good player, knows where the net is. He has tried his luck on the other side of Merseyside and was pretty well-liked, but injuries stopped him from doing what he’s doing.

“He has found his feet again, his form, and now it’s time for a big move. I wouldn’t put it past Everton to pull the trigger.”

Ings spent four years at Liverpool after joining for a £7.5million fee in 2015. However, significant injuries limited him to just 25 appearances.

The Englishman joined Southampton on loan in 2018 to try and get his career back on track. After impressing on loan he was snapped up by the Saints for £20m. He’s managed 46 goals in 100 games while on the south coast and has become the club’s talisman.

Everton aren’t the only team to be interested in the 28-year-old.

Manchester City are on the search for a new striker following the departure of Sergio Aguero.

They could attempt to sign Ings if Borussia Dortmund goalscorer Erling Haaland proves to be too expensive.

Ings’ most likely destination is Tottenham. They’re resigned to losing Harry Kane in the coming months due to his request to play in big finals.

Ings would be a solid replacement for Kane that shouldn’t break the bank.

Benitez, meanwhile, already has Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison as his main options up front.

The Toffees will be without Richarlison for the first few games of the season due to international duty.

He will represent Brazil at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but only after engaging in a row with club chiefs.

When asked about the dispute, the player said: “I had a fight there, right? I spent the whole day arguing with Everton, with the director. I also called the new coach.

“It’s very important for me to get this experience, get more mature because it’s going to be important to me.”