Danny Ings has joined Aston Villa in a shock move which could well impact on Southampton’s quest to sign Adam Armstrong.

Ings has made the move to Villa Park for a fee in the region of £30m, although Liverpool are due a slice of that after his move from Anfield to St Mary’s in 2018.

His future has been up in the air since he turned down the offer of a new contract, and with only 12 months left on his deal, Southampton have cashed in on their star man.

He has scored 34 goals in 67 Premier League appearances for Southampton, and had been of interest to Manchester City and Chelsea, but Aston Villa have announced his signing in a deal that has taken many by surprise.

Saints have so far been the only side to bid for Armstrong, an offer in the region of £8m turned down quickly by Rovers who are holding out for more than double that.

Armstrong is in a similar position to Ings, into the final year of his deal and with his former club, in his case Newcastle United, due a slice of any profit.

His 29 goals have made him a player of interest to Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl who had previously talked down the prospect of any move, happy with his options in attack.

Although that chance will likely now change with news of Ings’ departure, which could see Rovers braced for another offer for Armstrong.