Cherries: Ambitious Ings eyes a higher level

COVETED striker Danny Ings last night expressed his disappointment at seeing Cherries reject bids for his services and admitted he was keen to play at a higher level. The frontman's comments come after intense transfer speculation linked him with a move away from Seward Stadium. A product of the Cherries youth system, Ings is believed to have attracted the attention of a host of clubs including Premier League outfits Liverpool, Fulham and Newcastle. Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell has already turned down offers from Fulham and Crystal Palace, firmly insisting potential suitors must start the bidding at £1million. But after Championship promotion hopefuls Reading reportedly became the latest team to take a look at Ings, the young forward revealed he would consider the chance to step up the ladder. While confirming he remained focused on his Cherries task, Ings confessed his desire to play at the highest level possible. In an interview with skysports.com, Ings said: I was disappointed the offers were turned down. It would have been a good opportunity for me. At the moment, all I can do is focus on playing for Bournemouth. I am very grateful for Bournemouth giving me my chance. However, like any player, I have the ambition to play at the highest level I can. For footballing reasons, if the opportunity comes up over the coming weeks then I would hope we will be able sit down and look at it. Having been handed his first full contract last summer, Ings went on to net eight goals and turn in a series of fine displays in Cherries' promotion near miss. The Daily Echo revealed last month that Cherries had opened talks with Ings over a new contract, which would be his fifth since joining the professional ranks. Ings is already tied to Cherries until 2013.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo