The Daily Mail journalist Dominic King has revealed that Everton have had a 'bid' to sign Danny Ings rejected by Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Lampard under pressure

Frank Lampard is a manager under pressure after an embarrassing 4-1 loss against Brighton and Hove Albion at Goodison Park in the Premier League.

The likes of Wayne Rooney and Mauricio Pochettino have already been named as potential replacements for him, and the January transfer window is a huge one in terms of bringing reinforcements in to try and shoot the Merseyside club up the table and away from the relegation zone.

The Latest: Ings 'bid' rejected

Taking to Twitter, King has revealed that the Toffees have had a loan 'bid' rejected by Villa for Ings, and it is a 'situation to watch' for the rest of the window:

"Everton have had a bid to sign Danny Ings on loan rejected by Aston Villa. The only way Villa will allow Ings to move is on a permanent deal. A number of other clubs are interested in him. Be a situation to watch."

The Verdict: Go in again

The Blues need to go in with another offer for Ings after having their first one rejected.

Hailed a 'special' player by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, and a 'phenomenal finisher' by former Premier League striker Noel Whelan, the 30-year-old showed his credentials once again by scoring the equaliser for Villa in their 1-1 draw at home to Wolves on Wednesday night.

Despite not being a regular starter, that was his sixth goal in the top flight so far this season, and 68th in total in 187 games (Transfermarkt).

Ings is a proven goalscorer at Premier League level, and Everton need one to help lift them away from the drop zone, having scored just 14 goals in 18 matches so far.