Reports suggest Southampton are prepared to spend £6m to bring back the English international, who departed for Aston Villa in August 2021 but is now surplus to requirements at West Ham, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Alongside their interest in Ings, Southampton are also monitoring Cameron Archer, according to talkSPORT.

Archer, 22, has had an eventful year, moving from Aston Villa to Sheffield United in August 2023 for £18m under a unique deal that included a buy-back clause for Villa if Sheffield United were relegated. Following the Blades’ relegation, talkSPORT reports that Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is looking to move on from Archer.

Southampton manager Russell Martin sees Archer as a potential addition to bolster his attacking options this summer, particularly with the impending departure of Che Adams, who looks set to join Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.

If Southampton secures Archer’s signature, it could be seen as one of the standout deals of the summer. Prior to his move to Sheffield United, Archer earned praise as a “massive talent” from Steven Gerrard. Despite a challenging season with Sheffield United, where he scored four goals in 30 Premier League appearances, Archer’s potential remains highly regarded.

As Aston Villa seeks to find a buyer for Archer, this situation is one to watch closely in the upcoming transfer window.

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