Aston Villa have completed the signing of Danny Ings from Southampton earlier today.
The 29-year-old striker has signed a three-year contract with the West Midlands club, and he is set to cost around £30 million.
Ings has been outstanding for Southampton over the past two seasons, and he managed to score 14 goals across all competitions last season.
Dean Smith said: “Danny is an outstanding Premier League footballer who has scored goals wherever he has played.
“He is also a top professional with a great character who will be a leader in our squad and a role model for our rapidly developing young Academy players who are now in and around the first team. I am delighted to welcome Danny to our great Club.”
Dean Smith needed to add more depth to his attack, and the signing of Ings will certainly improve his side.
Meanwhile, midfielder Jack Grealish is thought to be closing in on a move to Manchester City.
It is evident that Villa are preparing to replace the talisman midfielder. They have been extremely active in the transfer market so far, and they have already signed the likes of Emiliano Buendia, Ashley Young and Leon Bailey.
The Premier League side are thought to be keen on signing the Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse as well.
It will be interesting to see how Smith accommodates Ings and Ollie Watkins in his starting lineup next season.
Both players have done well in the Premier League this past season, and neither of them will be keen on warming the bench.
It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa are prepared to play with two strikers next season.
There is no doubt that the West Midlands club will have an impressive attacking unit on the pitch next season.
Whether the likes of Bailey, Buendia and Ings are capable of replacing the contribution of Grealish on the pitch remains to be seen.
