Burnley striker Danny Ings opens talks with Liverpool after rejecting Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a massive blow in their ongoing pursuit of signing Danny Ings as the Burnley striker wants a summer move to Liverpool, reports the Evening Standard.

The 22-year-old was in impressive form for his side last season, scoring 11 goals and managing four assists. Despite his brilliant display, he could not save the club from avoiding relegation.

Ings is a free agent in the summer and if he decides to leave his current employers, Burnley are set to receive a compensation as per the Premier League rules. The north London club had made a £12m ($18.4m) bid for the striker, which was accepted by Burnley.

However, the English striker is not willing to join Tottenham and has set his sights on making a switch to Anfield. The report claims Ings will open negotiations over personal terms with the Merseyside club this week.

Ings and his representative are likely to seal the deal in less than a fortnight as the Reds look to add fire power to their struggling strike force. Liverpool have always been the Burnley star's first choice and he has not changed his decision, despite strong interest from Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Once the player and Liverpool agree personal terms, the Anfield club will negotiate with Burnley over a compensation fee. The two clubs are likely to settle for a fee around £5m-£6m ($7.6m-$9.1m).

If the frontman completes the Liverpool switch, he will join Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi as the latter will return to Anfield, following his season-long loan spell at Lille. Earlier reports suggested that Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli could be heading for a summer exit after a disappointing campaign.

The former Manchester City man may continue after his agent confirmed the Italian international will be at Liverpool. Ings' arrival and Origi's return from loan will force Liverpool to offload Borini and Lambert in the summer transfer window.

Should Ings join Liverpool, it is likely that Brendan Rodgers will cool down his side's interest in signing Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke. He is also a target for Manchester United and the Belgium international could make a switch to Old Trafford.