Everton predicted to ‘listen to serious bids’ for Ellis Simms after Goodison Park struggles
Everton will “listen to serious bids” for striker Ellis Simms this summer, according to Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas.
The journalist noted that the 22-year-old has “struggled” to cement his position in the starting XI amid the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Simms scored one goal from his 11 Premier League appearances in the second half of last season, having scored seven times while on loan at Sunderland in the first half of the season.
“Dyche started him at Anfield and Old Trafford and his first Everton goal at Chelsea was a wonderful piece of individual skill that earned a crucial point,” Thomas wrote for the Liverpool Echo.
“With one year on his contract remaining and having struggled to cement himself as a go-to option amid Calvert-Lewin’s absences late in the season, it is suspected Everton will listen to serious bids for him.”
Goodison exit likely
Simms proved his goalscoring ability with a well-taken strike against Chelsea, but it seems that he hasn’t found the back of the net enough in his Toffees career to convince fans that he should be a main part of the team going forward.
The Merseyside outfit are in desperate need of attacking talent, but they should be looking elsewhere this summer.
Simms can play a key part in their dealings, however, as the club should definitely sell him for as big a fee as possible in the coming months rather than losing him for free next summer upon the expiry of his contract.
That would be a foolish move from the Toffees, particularly given their financial issues.
How significant any bids for Simms will be remains to be seen, but anything is better than nothing at this stage, and manager Sean Dyche can use the funds to help him sign a more proficient striker.
In other Everton news, one exit-bound Toffees man has spoken out as finances get in the way of his Goodison stay.