text: Manchester United have become favourites to sign Danny Ings after holding talks with Burnley about a summer deal. Liverpool maintain an interest in the player and were prepared to exploit a Premier League loophole to guarantee a transfer in the summer. But Louis van Gaal is attempting to use the same method to trump their rivals and secure the services of the 22-year-old. Ings has scored nine goals in his first season in the Premier League and United consider him to be a future England international. Manchester United are favourites to sign Burnley striker Danny Ings this summer . Ings jokes with Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck during Burnley's 1-0 defeat at Turf Moor on Saturday . Van Gaal was particularly impressed by Ings’ performance against United at Old Trafford in February when he scored in Burnley’s 3-1 defeat. Ings has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe and United are keen to ensure that they win the race for his signature. Real Sociedad, Tottenham and Manchester City are all interested in the player, but Sportsmail understands that United have opened dialogue with Burnley to hurry through a move. The player is out of contract in the summer and due to his age Burnley would be set to receive around £5million in compensation if he moved to a domestic rival. Ings impressed Louis van Gaal when he scored against United at Old Trafford in February . Ings has scored nine goals for Burnley in his first season in the Premier League . But, under Premier League Rule U8, an English team can agree a fee and sign a pre-contract with Ings and the club which guarantees a transfer in the summer. Liverpool wanted to sign Ings in the January transfer window and loan him back to Burnley, but were prevented doing so by Premier League regulations. Burnley were adamant they wanted to hold on to the forward until the end of the season in the hope he would help keep them up and the club are still in with a chance of staying in the top flight.
target: Danny Ings' contract atBurnley expires at the end of the season .
  Liverpool have held an interest in the striker since earlier in the year .
  United have made contact early with Burnley to hurry through a move .
  Ings also linked with Manchester City, Tottenham and Real Sociedad .
  Danny Ings: The man with an inspiring tattoo .