Danny Ings turned down a return to Southampton in the summer transfer window in search of a fresh opportunity to reignite his career at the London Stadium, according to a report from GIVEMESPORT. 

Ings is determined to force his way into Lopetegui’s plans after failing to find the right move ahead of the transfer window slamming shut last week, according to GMS sources. The report also suggests that Julen Lopetegui hasn’t ruled out the possibility.

The main reason West Ham were keen on moving was his wages, the 32-year-old reportedly earns £125,000 a week which makes him the club’s highest earner behind Brazilian superstar Lucas Paqueta.  The Englishman’s role in the team doesn’t make the wages he is on anywhere near worth it so they wanted to get him off the books.

However, Ings had absolutely no intention of leaving the club for a reduction in wages and instead is keen to fight for this place in Julen Lopetegui’s squad. In his prime, Danny Ings was probably a player that Lopetegui would’ve loved. He was a real penalty box poacher which is how Lopetegui stereotypically likes to use his striker.

As unlikely as it is, if Ings can get anywhere near the season he had in 19/20 where he scored 22 Premier League goals, he could give Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio a real battle for that striker position this season.