Everton striker Ellis Simms decides on loan move amid Sunderland, Blackpool, Huddersfield and Millwall chase
Everton striker Ellis Simms has chosen a loan move to Sunderland for the new season amid high interest, according to The Gazette.
The young goalscorer enjoyed a successful loan move to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership for the second half of last season, and Robbie Neilson had wanted him back, but eventually admitted it was out of his reach.
Blackpool were another side who were pushing for his signature, with the 21-year-old spending the latter half of the 2020/21 season there also, scoring 10 in all competitions.
The Gazette report that they had terms agreed with the Toffees to take him, but amid a race of six clubs, including Huddersfield and Millwall, he has chosen the Black Cats instead.
With Frank Lampard losing his main goal threat in Richarlison so far during this transfer window, and the club struggling mightily to bring in reinforcements during the window, Simms could have been in line for a key role at Goodison.
It appears that he has decided otherwise however, and the latest news suggests he is due for another temporary exit, this time to the Championship.
Risky
Either Kevin Thelwell and Lampard know something about potential incoming moves before the end of the window or this is a big gamble.
After fighting West Ham to sign Armando Broja for weeks it looked like the chase for the Albanian had been lost, but the Hammers are now on the brink of signing Gianluca Scamacca so the Chelsea youngster might still be available.
The situation at Stamford Bridge grows ever-more confusing, with Thomas Tuchel reluctant to lose the forward although the player himself wants to move unless given assurances.
In that context, Simms would surely have been a sensible option to keep around at Everton, since he has recent senior experience and proved himself capable of making an impact with seven goals for Hearts.
Much will depend on how far Dominic Calvert-Lewin can bounce back from a horrible year personally, amid a loss of form and injury problems.
If he gets back to his best then it will be a huge boost, but without Richarlison replaced there is still a gap in previous output.
Salomon Rondon is an option but is hardly prolific, so fans will certainly hope someone else arrives before the window closes.
In an ideal world Simms would probably go for one last loan move, although there is an argument to keep him around as a back-up even if there were two top-tier forwards in place.
Assuming this move is completed it either signifies something exciting is in the works, or Everton are taking a big risk.