Moyes ‘hopeful’ of Ings deal

Real Sociedad boss David Moyes has revealed that he is ‘hopeful’ about securing a Bosman deal for Burnley striker Danny Ings.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Clarets in the Premier League, scoring nine goals and catching the eye with a number of impressive displays, but is expected to move on when his contract expires at the end of the season.

“The best motivation is self-motivation. If you play for La Real and you’re not motivated, you have a problem and shouldn’t be here,” he said ahead of La Real’s trip to Elche in La Liga on Monday.

“We need players with determination and attitude, who want to win every game.

“We want to improve our performance levels. My players still have plenty to say yet. These are important weeks, in which they must work hard.

“In football you can’t be good one day and bad in another, you must try to always do well.

“We want to play our final seven matches like we have in recent weeks. We want to win these seven games.

“In football you can’t turn the on-and-off switch overnight. Why would [Elche] be more motivated than us? I don’t see a reason.

“[The draw at Deportivo La Coruna] was a football problem, not a motivation one, plus they were tired.

“The expectations of the players have also been raised. More is expected of them and they were disappointed that they didn’t play better.

“[The team’s] evolution was to be expected. Remember that we didn’t sign any players in January.

“We’re the same team who were bottom at the start of the season. There’s been progress and improvement.

“The team now pass the ball better and are stronger in both defence and attack. We’ve improved, but you always want to do better.

“We must maintain a balance. I want to give opportunities to players who haven’t played through injury, but I also want to finish the season strongly.

“I’m hopeful [that Danny Ings joins La Real]. I’d like to sign new players in order to make the team more competitive nearer to the top of the table.”