DANNY Ings could be set to make a return to St Mary’s after his shock exit to Aston Villa during the summer transfer window, on Friday, November 5.

The 29-year-old striker is facing a race to be ready after he was absent from the Villa squad that were defeated 4-1 by West Ham at the weekend.

The former Saints frontman could have either a reported hamstring concern or potentially be one of the “Covid-related concerns” that manager Dean Smith referred too.

Ings was the main supplier of Saints’ goals for three seasons after initially arriving on loan and then making a permanent move from Liverpool.

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The Winchester-born forward hit 41 Premier League goals over his three seasons with Saints, including 22 during the 2019-20 campaign.

Daily Echo: Danny Ings lead the Saints line for three seasons (Pic: PA)Danny Ings lead the Saints line for three seasons (Pic: PA)

But it seemed certain that he wasn’t going to sign a new deal, so the £30million offer was one that couldn’t be refused – it was just a frustration that he’d taken what some supporters argued was a sideways move.

Ahead of his potential return to St Mary’s, let’s recap what he has said about his departure since leaving Saints.

"Before going to Saints the plan was always just to have one contract there," Ings admitted to the Telegraph in August.

"I know it’s where I grew up, my hometown, where my family and my friends are, but that doesn’t change me and who I am and what I like to do in my career.

Daily Echo: The striker moved to Aston Villa in a £30million move in August (Pic: PA)The striker moved to Aston Villa in a £30million move in August (Pic: PA)

"It was difficult leaving Southampton because I had some great friends and I was close to my family. It was extremely tough not being able to go in and say goodbye but that was the agreement between the two clubs. So that part was difficult.

“But people who know me and know what I am about understand that I like different environments, different challenges. It (Villa) was a challenge that I really wanted to take on."

He also said: “It was amazing at Southampton – I had a really good run and goal record and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

Daily Echo: Danny Ings could return to St Mary's on Friday (Pic: PA)Danny Ings could return to St Mary's on Friday (Pic: PA)

"I know the fans will be upset that I left but hopefully they can look back on those numbers (of goals) and see that I gave everything.

"I loved playing for the club and I loved the fans and every part of it, but these things happen in football. I wanted to keep challenging myself in a different way.

"That is my foundation and that is why I only signed one contract at Southampton.”