Everton hopeful of handing Ellis Simms new deal after progress in talks
Everton are hopeful of renewing the contract of striker Ellis Simms after making progress in talks, according to The Athletic.
The existing deal of the 20-year-old Englishman comes to an end next summer, and the Toffees are not keen on losing him just yet.
Simms picked up a groin injury at the end of last season, and that ruled out any potential move during the summer transfer window.
He only returned to full fitness this month, making Rafa Benitez’s Premier League matchday squad to Aston Villa.
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Everton lost Thierry Small to Southampton in the summer, and they cannot afford to let someone like Simms leave too given his huge potential.
While he is yet to make his first-team bow, that could be happening soon with Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin still out injured.
After Lewis Dobbin made his Premier League debut for the Blues during weekend’s 3-0 win over Norwich City at Goodison Park, his fellow academy graduate could be next.
Simms spent the second-half of last season on loan with Blackpool, scoring 10 goals and assisting once in 23 League One games.
His injury saw him miss out on their promotion play-offs, but manager Neil Critchley remains a huge admirer, and he is said to be keen on revisiting the possibility of taking him on a short-term deal in January after missing out on a summer deal [ECHO].
Another temporary spell elsewhere would do the development of the youngster a lot of good, but Everton need to get him to sign on the dotted lines as soon as possible.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have opened talks with forward and his reps over new deal.
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