Aston Villa announce shock signing of Danny Ings from Southampton in £30m deal which benefits Liverpool as Jack Grealish prepares for Man City medical

Aston Villa have announced the surprise signing of Danny Ings from Southampton for a fee believed to be £30million.

In one of the summer's least expected moves, the England striker signs a three-year deal as Villa continue their impressive recruitment drive.

Head coach Dean Smith said: “Danny is an outstanding Premier League footballer who has scored goals wherever he has played.

“He is also a top professional with a great character who will be a leader in our squad and a role model for our rapidly developing young Academy players who are now in and around the first team. I am delighted to welcome Danny to our great Club.”

The move comes as Villa captain Jack Grealish edges closer to a £100m move to Manchester City, with a medical scheduled for tomorrow.

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Villa have wasted no time spending that money - and Ings joins Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey as the club's latest big-money signing in attack.

Ings, 29, was rumoured to be leaving Saints this summer with just one year left on his contract - but Villa were not mentioned as a potential destination.

The surprise news will also be well received by Liverpool, who are set to receive £6m as part of their sell-on agreement with Southampton for their former striker.

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