Manchester City eyeing Danny Ings as potential Sergio Aguero replacement

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Southampton striker Danny Ings as their search for a replacement for Sergio Aguero gathers pace.

Aguero's contract expires in the summer and has been linked with moves to Barcelona and Chelsea in recent weeks.

The latest forward to be linked with filling the Argentine's boots at the Etihad Stadium is England international Ings.

Sky Sports report that City view Ings as a potential target that could be easier to attain than some of the bigger names on the market this summer.

Ings has overcome his injury problems and rediscovered his goalscoring touch since moving to Southampton from Liverpool in 2018, bagging 42 goals in 89 games for the Saints in all competitions.

He broke back into the England squad in the autumn international break, but won't be able to join up with the Three Lions for the upcoming break due to a muscle injury.

Ings isn't the only forward linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, however. Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland is of interest to City, but they won't be alone in pursuit of the Norwegian striker.

City were drawn to face Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Friday, and Guardiola was quizzed on Haaland and any interest he has in the striker.

"He's a player from Dortmund," Guardiola said. "I don't like when people talk about our players. You understand I cannot answer this question.

"The numbers speak for themselves. He is one of the best strikers in the world right now at his age.

"I haven't had much time but I've seen the highlights, and his numbers in the league and the Champions League are impressive. I know the quality of this player, everyone does. In two weeks, I can answer better because I haven't seen much of him."