Kenny Miller tells Rangers to sign Everton striker Ellis Simms
Kenny Miller has told Rangers to target Everton striker Ellis Simms after his successful loan spell at Hearts this season.
The 21-year-old moved to Tynecastle in January and scored seven times in all competitions from 21 appearances, including a stunner in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.
Jambos boss Robbie Neilson would like to take the forward back again next season, but former Gers striker and BT Sport pundit Miller thinks he would be an ideal addition at Ibrox due to his similarities to current forward Alfredro Morelos, and that a move may depend on the Colombian’s future.
He believes that the Toffees could be convinced to sell if the “money was right” but a loan might be more likely.
Miller said, via the Daily Echo: “The one player in Scotland I’d look at for Rangers is Simms.
“I really like the look of him. When you see the trouble Rangers had with strikers towards the end of the season, it’s something I’d consider.
“I’m sure the kid will have a few suitors down in England.
“But I’d be surprised if Everton sold him, unless the money was right. It would probably be another loan move.
“When you look at what he could bring and the way he plays, he might be as close to a Morelos as you’re going to get.
“The physicality he’s got, the running power and the quality of goals he’s scored in that short period at Hearts – he’s someone I think could be interesting.
“At the age he’s at, playing in that Rangers team – I think he could score goals.”
Big future
Just as a move to the Europa League finalists might depend on the future of Morelos, the futures of Toffees stars Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison may dictate whether he plays for Frank Lampard.
Both have been linked with moves away for some time, and have been mooted as potentially available for big money in order to help deal with the club’s financial concerns.
If either leave then the manager could be tempted to give Simms a chance in the first time rather than go looking for a replacement in the transfer market on a limited budget.
He won’t have seen the young goalscorer in person yet, having taken over at Goodison after the loan move to Hearts commenced.
Pre-season involvement seems certain as the former Chelsea boss assesses what he has at his disposal, and if he feels that another year of development with possible European football would help then a loan move makes sense.
Rangers beat Hearts to lift the cup, and are in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
There is an outside chance that Miller is right and a permanent deal could be swung, as his former side have been boosted by cash from the European run, and mooted big-money moves for the likes of Calvin Bassey may arm them with enough to tempt Lampard.
He needs to raise funds through sales and the opportunity to use it on a preferred target may be more valuable, although getting rid of an academy product who is showing such promise would definitely be a risk.
In other Everton news, the club made an approach for midfield help but are apparently unhappy at the asking price.
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