Next move critical for Everton forward Ellis Simms as Hearts eye move
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has admitted that the Scottish club are “trying” to sign Everton forward Ellis Simms in the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Hearts last season (2021-22) where he netted seven goals in 21 games.
Neilson, however, feels that Hearts have very little chance to sign him again on loan this summer.
“I’d love to get him back and we’re trying to get him back, but if I’m being brutally honest, I don’t think we’ll get him back,” Neilson said on Scarves Around the Funnel podcast (7 June)
“There’s a lot of Championship teams in England that have contacted me asking about him. Obviously, I’ve said he’s been terrible!
“There’s a lot of teams that have been watching him and want to take him, so that’s where we are at the moment.
“We bring these guys in, give them a platform and try to progress them. Then if they do well, they move on again.”
Next move critical
Simms has returned to the parent club, and Frank Lampard will get a good chance to watch him closely in the pre-season.
The Toffees boss needs to a big decision on his future – whether to keep him at the club next season or send him out on loan once again?
The club also need to make a decision on whether to send him on loan to a Championship club where he will get more exposure if he makes the move.
There is also a suggestion that Simms could be a good squad option for the senior side, with the future of Salomon Rondon unclear.
The Venezuela striker failed to make an impact last season. There’s hardly any point keeping him for bit-part roles when Lampard can easily do the same by throwing the youngster into the mix.
The next season is going to be big for his career. Simms is an exciting young talent, and the club must get the decision right about his future development.
In other Everton news, Everton offering James Tarkowski a four year deal shows nothing has changed at Goodison Park.