Everton transfer news as Ellis Simms exit to be agreed by weekend
Everton academy graduate Ellis Simms is set to leave the club in the near future, with the striker in talks with Coventry City over a move to the Championship side, according to journalist Alan Myers.
Myers shared via his Twitter account that Simms has been in talks with Coventry City regarding a move and that a deal is expected to be reached by this weekend for him to swap Goodison Park for the midlands.
Simms has been linked to a move throughout the last couple of weeks, after reports initially suggested a move to newly-promoted Ipswich Town could be on the cards after a bid was made [Football Insider, 27 June]. Simms was then linked to Swansea in a possible deal for Joel Piroe.
Coventry look set to lose their own striker in the coming days, with Viktor Gyokeres set to join Sporting CP [Fabrizio Romano, 6 July], and it looks now like Simms could be their replacement option.
Everton can benefit from the funds raised
Everton have been subject to a lot of speculation regarding their financial issues, with the sale of Simms set to alleviate some of those concerns. If the price tag is between £7million and £10million as suggested, the deal for the academy product will benefit Everton hugely.
Upon Simms’ departure, however, Everton will be left with just Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay as striker options. The former has well-documented injury issues, while the latter is profligate in front of goal and has also been linked to a move away.
Recent reports suggest the Toffees could be in with a move for El Bilal Toure from Almeria, who would go a long way towards solving the Merseyside club’s striker issues.
Simms will be hoping that a move to the Championship can kick-start his career which had fallen flat in recent years. His highest career goal tally came with Hull City in 2020/21 when he scored eight goals in League One, although he recently hit seven with Sunderland in the Championship before his move was cut short by Everton.
If Simms can replicate his form and performances for Sunderland, both Coventry and the player will be happy with the move.
In other Everton news, a winner has been named in the race to sign Everton target.