Crystal Palace are ready to battle Premier League rivals Everton for Aston Villa striker Danny Ings, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Lack of goals for Palace

Patrick Vieira’s side have struggled to score on a regular basis so far this season, netting just 17 times in as many Premier League games.

That is the fewest of any of the top 14 teams in the division, with Wilfried Zaha leading the way for the Eagles with six top-flight goals. That’s the same amount as Ings, who appears to be of real interest to the Selhurst Park hierarchy, has managed.

The Latest: Ings transfer interest

Nixon shared a story for The Sun late on Saturday evening regarding Ings and Palace, claiming that Vieira would take him on loan or in a cut-price permanent deal.

The reporter added that the Eagles are ready to fight Everton in the race for the 30-year-old, who has been called a 'special' player by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.

The Verdict: Makes sense?

Ings, who is sponsored by Nike, has scored four goals in his last three league starts but appears to have dropped down the pecking order under Unai Emery.

The 30-year-old’s last start came against Brighton two months ago prior to the break for the World Cup, and he has had to make do with a place on the bench in recent weeks.

He has plenty of Premier League experience (187 appearances) and still knows where the back of the net is judging by his goal tally this season, so a move this month could be a wise one by Palace, although they may need to act fast given Everton's simultaneous interest.