Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl says "there is no reason to sell" Danny Ings but the striker entering the final year of his contract without a new deal in place is "not a perfect situation".

The 28-year-old's contract is due to expire in June 2022 and he has rejected a new four-year deal at the club.

Ings has scored 41 Premier League goals in three years at Saints after joining from Liverpool.

"We need this player, we want him to play for us," said Hasenhuttl.

"But I think it's never helpful to go into the last season with one year left - this is what I think he should know."

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, the Austrian added: "Messages like he doesn't accept our contract, he doesn't want to extend his contract, doesn't help nobody - not him, not us. I don't know who sent these messages, it's not coming from our side, definitely not.

"We have no interest in blaming the player or finding that he's not feeling good here at this club, no interest in not helping perform the best he can for us. It's his position and if it's like this, it would be a pity."