Ellis Simms could leave Everton on loan, Derby want to sign him – report
Everton youngster Ellis Simms could join Derby County on loan in January, according to a report by The Athletic.
Simms is highly-rated at Goodison Park and the 21-year-old appeared in the Premier League 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
But with a lack of playing time evident for the striker, The Athletic report that he could be of interest to club legend Wayne Rooney at Pride Park as Derby look to battle relegation.
In a report looking at potential January signings for the Rams, Simms’ loan spell at Blackpool last season where he scored eight goals and helped them earn promotion is mooted as a reason for Derby’s potential interest.
The belief is that he is a player that Rooney could look to develop and with a lack of money at the club, a loan deal is possible.
Develop
The key word used in the report from The Athletic is that Rooney could look to ‘develop’ Simms and that is exactly what he needs at this stage of his career.
He is 21-years-old now and has minimal experience in men’s football but he has been described as ‘outstanding‘ by Everton U23’s manager David Unsworth. It is something he needs regularly if he is to fulfil his potential.
A move to the Championship is likely to prove a challenge for him, especially in a side that doesn’t dominate possession and is under increasing pressure for results and performances.
Simms is a very good finisher though and his willingness to shoot regularly and accurately is something that Derby could do with.
From an Everton perspective if he isn’t going to play in the first-team, which seems unlikely, then letting him go elsewhere to play regularly is without a doubt the best thing for him and them.
If he does well, they can look at integrating him in the future and if not then they can put him in the shop window for the summer.
In other Everton news, Newcastle star responds to major transfer update from Fabrizio Romano regarding Everton ace.