Ellis Simms signs new three-year deal with Everton
Everton striker Ellis Simms has put pen to paper on a three-year extension at Goodison Park, according to the club’s official website.
The 20-year-old had just a few months left on his current deal, but the Toffees have moved to quickly tie him down to a new one, and he will be hoping to force his way into Rafa Benitez’s plans.
However, that may have to wait until next season as Simms could be leaving Goodison Park on loan in January.
According to The Athletic journalist Patrick Boyland, the young striking sensation could leave Everton temporarily when the winter transfer window opens.
He said on his personal Twitter account after the club confirmed the news: “Mentioned here that Everton were negotiating new deals for both Simms & Lewis Dobbin. Always looked easier to find agreement with former.
“He’s back in full training now after a small setback in September. Still a chance he goes on loan in January.”
Fair enough
Simms was not able to secure a loan move in the summer after picking up a groin injury at the end of last season, but Blackpool remain keen after he spent the second half of last season on loan with them.
The Everton academy graduate scored 10 goals and assisted once in 23 League One games, but his injury saw him miss out on their promotion play-offs.
Blackpool 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].
Having handed him a new deal and showing that the club has faith in him for the future, another temporary spell elsewhere could do the development of the youngster a lot of good.
Benitez needs striking reinforcements in January from the look of things, but it remains to be seen whether he is open to calling on Simms.
With regular football not guaranteed on Merseyside right now, joining Blackpool in the Championship and learning the ropes in a very demanding division would be a great option.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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