Celtic ready eleventh-hour swoop for Danny Ings amid West Ham team news
West Ham United could still lose Danny Ings before the transfer deadline despite the striker being named on the bench against Chelsea, according to The Sun.
The news outlet’s website have reported Celtic are considering launching the latest of swoops for the Hammers frontman, who is in Graham Potter’s squad at Stamford Bridge for the Premier League clash (3 February).
Any hope of a deal would have to hinge on Ings agreeing terms while on matchday duty, making any transfer before the summer extremely unlikely.
Ings, 32, has scored once and claimed two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions this season so far.
West Ham United unlikely to sanction Ings sale
It would be something strangely admirable if Celtic were able to prise Ings away while the striker is in the middle of featuring at an away match.
It is highly likely this will render any deal a non-starter – and if initial contact between parties was to be made on Monday night before the 11pm deadline, it would leave very little time in any case.
Ings may not be prolific or even always be present on the pitch, but is becoming a key part of Potter’s squad due to his experience in the Premier League and his nous when he often comes off the bench.
Jarrod Bowen has been picked to lead the line against Chelsea as he returns for his first game since the turn of the year, while Evan Ferguson will be in contention for the Irons’ next match against Brentford on 15 February after signing on loan from Brighton.
Potter has something of a free roam of the rest of the season to see what works long-term and put plans in place, and it looks – as if for now – Ings will be part of that despite the late reported interest from Scotland.
In other West Ham news, Ferguson sends a message to Irons fans as Luke Littler reacts to the deal.
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