Sunderland have failed with a loan approach for Liverpool striker Danny Ings. The 24-year-old is still on recovery path from a long-term knee injury.

Ings joined the Reds from minnows Burnley last summer, but had his season cut short after he damaged anterior cruciate ligaments in October.

He has since appeared in the club's pre-season friendlies this term, but Jurgen Klopp intends to keep him out of first-team football until he regains his confidence.

The Mail says the Black Cats were looking to sign the England international on a temporary deal this summer with the club overly dependent on an ageing Jermaine Defoe for goals.

However, the Reds simply turned down the offer as they feel the player has something to give to the club during the ongoing campaign.

Liverpool had to pay a record compensation fee of £6.5m when Ings moved from Turf Moor last year.