Everton target Danny Ings has a ‘goalscoring record in the Premier League’ that other strikers on the market can’t match, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa in recent weeks after struggling to hold down a regular starting spot under Unai Emery with Goodison Park sounded out as a potential landing spot.

Everton transfer news – Danny Ings

Dominic King of the Daily Mail previously revealed that Everton have seen a bid to take Ings on loan for the remainder of the season rejected by Villa.

It’s believed that the Villans have no intention of allowing the England international to depart the club on a temporary basis and would only consider letting him leave on a permanent deal.

Ings only moved to the Midlands outfit from Southampton in a £25 million deal 18 months ago, but his current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024.

The 5 foot 10 ace has registered a respectable seven goals and two assists in 20 appearances for Villa so far this season, although he has only started eight Premier League games.

Everton’s star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been unable to stay injury free over the last 18 months, and Ings could be the ideal candidate to provide the Toffees with more firepower.

What has Jones said about Ings?

Jones has told GMS that he believes ‘you’re looking at £20 million’ to sign Ings on a permanent basis this January.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

He said: “If he's going to be sold, then you're going to want to recoup a lot of that money, especially as Danny Ings, he has a level of experience and a goalscoring record in the Premier League that almost no one else in the market at the moment actually has.

“So, Ings is actually a special case, and I think you're looking at £20 million in my eyes if you're actually looking to get Ings on a permanent deal.”

Who else could Everton sign?

Last month, Football League World stated that Everton, Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham United are all contemplating moves for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Coventry City forward has established himself as one of the Championship’s most clinical stars over the last 18 months, racking up 31 goals and six assists in 73 outings since the beginning of 2021/22.

Gyokeres’ current £4,500-per-week contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024, meaning the winter window may be the last opportunity Coventry get to receive a substantial fee for their prized asset.

Signing someone with no Premier League experience would be a risk, though, and Ings may be seen as the first-choice target as a result.