Former West Ham United forward Danny Ings is set to sign for Rob Edward’s Middlesbrough in the coming days.
Ings, who has been without a club since leaving the Hammers last month, had hoped to remain in the Premier League but when interest was sparce, Boro’s attention in the player grew stronger.
Edwards has identified goals as a key area of improvement at the Riverside, with the club having failed to find a natural replacement since Emmanuel Latte Lath left for a club record fee in January.
Whilst about to turn 33, Ings presents an option with serious pedigree at this level and above, having scored 20 goals in his last campaign in the Championship.
Question marks will lie with how fit the forward is, having not been a regular starter for the past two seasons. Despite this, Boro are desperate for competition up top, with Tommy Conway the only recognised senior striker at the club following the sale of Josh Coburn.
Why Danny Ings?
Now boss Edwards has made it clear he wants a rejuvenated side next season. A team that can be high energy and utilise the high press to create opportunities up top.
Not only does Ings suit this style of play but he can bring experience and leadership to the dressing room as Boro hope to make a playoff push.
The 32-year-old forward is not expected to be Boro’s only signing at the top of the pitch, with adding goals paramount to Edwards strategy for next campaign.
Flexibility and goalscoring ability is the name of the game for the Northeast side, with the club already in talks for what they believe to be Ben Doak’s replacement in the form of Dutch player, Sonje Hansen.
So far Edwards has experimented in pre-season with his new side, the addition of Ings could help the team begin to form its new identity.
