Journalist reveals the Liverpool duo Benitez could sign this summer – a favour from his old club?

During a piece on Rafa Benitez’s search for a new striker this summer, the Chronicle have admitted that Newcastle are likely to consider moves for Liverpool duo Danny Ings and Divock Origi – being two players we made attempts to sign last summer.

Both strikers are far from first choice at Liverpool these days, with Ings spending most of 2017/18 recovering from injury and Origi spending the entire of last season on loan at Wolfsburg.

It sounds like the latter might get a chance to prove himself over pre-season this summer, however Ings looks almost certain to move elsewhere, with it being confirmed this week that he’ll be allowed to leave in pursuit of some regular first-team football.

Here’s what Chris Waugh’s had to say when discussing a potential move for Danny Ings this summer:

Danny Ings will be permitted to depart Merseyside this summer, and the forward is someone Newcastle attempted to sign on loan in each of the past two windows.

The Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds will allow Ings to leave for a “fair price”, and that should alert Newcastle to his situation.

Ravaged by long-term injury problems, the 25-year-old has played just 25 matches in three seasons at Anfield.

That is why he would be a risk this summer, but the 11 goals he scored in 37 Premier League appearances for Burnley during the 2014/15 campaign shows he can cut it in the top flight.

Ings’ work ethic and character – all references suggest he is a consummate professional – also point to him being a ‘Benitez player’, too.

Here’s what they then had to say on a possible move to Divock Origi – the Belgian international we enquired about during the final few days of last summer’s transfer window.

If Benitez and his staff determine Ings’ fitness record makes him too risky a signing, they should instead contemplate returning for Divock Origi – who they enquired about last summer.

The 23-year-old is reportedly set to be given an opportunity to impress Jurgen Klopp during pre-season, but Newcastle could do worse than register an interest should United’s striker search prove fruitless elsewhere.

Origi scored seven goals in 34 Premier League games in 2016/17, but a large portion of those appearances came as a substitute. His move to Wolfsburg did not work out – he scored just six times in 31 games – but the Belgium international remains a raw talent.

He also fits the mould of the style of striker Benitez likes – hard-working, versatile and powerful – and he can still develop into a top-level forward. Origi is never likely to be prolific, but he can bring 10-to-15 goals a season, plus his all-round game will help improve this United side.

Newcastle fans may raise their eyebrows at the suggestion of signing either Ings or Origi, and this correspondent shares their doubts.

Make no mistake, both would be risks – for differing reasons – but the Magpies may have to gamble this summer if their striker search proves as frustrating as it has done in recent weeks.

Neither name may set the pulses racing on Tyneside, but Ings or Origi might just provide a left-field solution to United’s persistent striker problem.

Would you take either at NUFC this summer?

Ings would be a risk based on his recent injury record and Origi has hardly had the best of seasons out in Germany with Wolfsburg, however I’d happily take a chance on either – especially the latter given his potential to excel under Benitez’s guidance.

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