Our fan panel offer their views on Middlesbrough’s talks to sign Danny Ings.

In a surprise move, it emerged earlier this week that Middlesbrough have held talks over the possibility of signing Danny Ings on a free transfer this summer.

Ings, who will turn 33 this month, is available on a free after leaving West Ham following the expiration of his contract. Ings is believed to have alternative Championship options, but Boro have held positive conversations with the player and his representatives over a possible move to the Riverside.

The news comes as a shock to many, with Boro tending to prefer younger signings under the transfer model. But seeing Ings as a potentially positive signing both on and off the pitch to help Rob Edwards negotiate his first season in charge of the club. With Ings struggling in his two-and-a-half years at West Ham, the move for the former England international has divided opinion.

We sought the views of our Boro fan panel, to get their verdicts on Boro potentially signing the veteran striker. Youtube analyst Phil Spencer, Boropolis co-founder Chris Cassidy and Twe12th Man member John Donovan make up our Boro fan panel this week.

John Donovan

The link to Danny Ings is an interesting one, and will no doubt divide opinion. I can see why some fans would like him in the Boro attack, but for me it’s a no thanks. Admittedly he has a wealth of experience, especially at Premier league level, and he could be what we need, as a player, to introduce when we are trying to hold onto a lead, or needing to turn a game around.

Maybe I’m still carrying the pain of Kelechi Iheanacho, and his limited impact. But I thought as a club we had moved on from signing older players at the end of their career, with no sell on value. I’m sure that Danny Ings would have a much greater impact than Iheanacho, but it would not be a signing I would pursue. If he does come I hope he stuffs my doubts firmly down my throat.

Phil Spencer

I think that signing Danny Ings would be a good move for the right price. Middlesbrough desperately need a striker, but we’re also in need of crucial experience and that is something that the 32-year-old would bring.

On the plus side, his goal record is very impressive and he would undoubtedly bring a lot both on and off the pitch. I do, however, understand the view of those who are a little bit concerned by his recent injury record as we need someone who is going to be consistently available for us. That’s where this deal comes down to money.

A free transfer is good, but I’d expect Ings to command big wages which would likely make him one of the top earners at the club. That’s fine if he’s going to be fit and ready to go, but if he’s only going to be available for 10-15 games a season then we need to make a responsible decision.

I trust our recruitment team to weigh this up and perhaps the ideal solution would be to bring him in, but also sign another striker so that we are covered if injuries become a problem.

Chris Cassidy

The interest in Danny Ings has come as a complete shock. Before even considering his injury problems or lack of game time over the past few years, I thought the wages he would command would make it a complete non-starter. Nevertheless, the interest has now been confirmed, and that most likely means his wage demands are not totally out of reason.

Given Ings’ lack of football over previous seasons, the news has been met with a significant amount of scepticism. A lot of supporters, understandably scarred from his performances, have compared the interest with Boro’s January move for Kelechi Iheanacho. However, I’m not completely convinced the two are comparable.

Ings is more of what I’d describe as a natural goalscorer. Regardless of a loss of pace, I feel like his finishing technique and positional sense would translate in most leagues. His numbers certainly have dried up since his big money move to Aston Villa, but I do think he’d find it a lot easier in the Championship.

The move does provide further evidence that there’s been a slight tweak in Boro’s recruitment style this summer, something I’m not entirely opposed to. Ings is in his thirties, but Callum Brittain and Alfie Jones are both heading into the prime years of their careers and have bucketloads of experience.

Boro were labelled naive pushovers on numerous occasions last season, so perhaps the club are acting to try and combat that with some more hardened pros.

Read more at;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk