Hibernian have made a formal proposal to sign experienced striker Danny Ings, according to a report in the Daily Record. The 34-year-old former England international is a free agent after leaving Sheffield United at the end of last season and is weighing up a potential move to the Scottish Premiership.
David Gray is keen to bring the veteran forward to Easter Road to offer something different to his current attacking options. Hibs sit seventh in the Premiership with six points from four games, having scored six goals but conceded seven. They are six points behind leaders Celtic as they prepare to face St Johnstone tomorrow, looking to bounce back from a disappointing home derby defeat to Hearts.
What would Danny Ings bring to Hibs?
David Gray believes Ings' experience and physical presence would provide a new dimension to Hibs' attack. The manager feels the former Liverpool, Southampton, Aston Villa and West Ham United striker could have a similar impact to Dwight Gayle a couple of seasons ago. Ings' know-how could also help develop younger forwards like Owen Elding and Nathan Lowe, while offering a different profile to the pace of Martin Boyle and Ante Suto.
The club's interest comes after a proposed move to Leicester City collapsed at the last minute during the summer transfer window. Ings has been without a club since his Sheffield United departure, giving Hibs an opportunity to secure a proven Premier League performer without a transfer fee. Gray sees this as a chance to add quality to a squad currently missing Rocky Bushiri and Jordan Obita through injury, as shown on our injuries page.
How does this affect the current squad?
Hibs' pursuit of Ings comes amid ongoing speculation about the future of Togo international Thibault Klidje. The club were reportedly seeking a loan move for their big-money striker before the deadline and could still be open to a deal, with some transfer markets remaining open. Klidje had a spell on loan at Danish club Randers earlier this year, and his situation may need resolving if Ings arrives at Easter Road.
The potential signing represents a significant statement of intent from Hibs as they look to climb the Premiership standings. With six points from their opening four matches and a negative goal difference, adding a player of Ings' pedigree could provide the boost needed to turn around their early season form, which currently reads LWWL.
What happens next for Hibs?
Immediate focus returns to Premiership action as Hibs travel to face St Johnstone on Saturday. Beyond that, the Edinburgh club have a crucial Edinburgh derby against Hearts scheduled for December 27th, with their city rivals currently sitting third in the table. The outcome of their proposal to Danny Ings could significantly shape their approach to that fixture and the rest of the campaign.
You can follow all the latest team news and player updates on our dedicated squad page. Hibs' next home match at Easter Road in Leith comes after their trip to Perth, with the club hoping to build momentum regardless of the Ings situation. The 34-year-old striker is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming days as he considers counter offers alongside Hibs' proposal.
