Everton and Championship club hold talks over €4m forward

Everton striker Ellis Simms faces an uncertain future at the club. The Toffees are looking to bolster their attack as they aim to sign two strikers in this transfer window. As a result, Simms could be loaned out or sold and there is a club keen to sign the Englishman.

Sean Dyche doesn’t want to take a risk with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness and in order to avoid a situation where the team is without a forward, EFC will look to sign competent goalscorers this summer. Neal Maupay hasn’t been fired and the Merseysiders could look to sell him to raise funds. The Toffees also have Simms in their squad, whose future is up in the air.

The Englishman spent the first half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Sunderland, where he excelled, scoring seven goals in 17 Championship games. Back in January, EFC decided to cut short his loan and recall him from Sunderland as they were struggling with a lack of depth in the attack.

Everton and Sunderland hold talks regarding Ellis Simms

The Black Cats even tried to re-sign him on loan for the remainder of the season but Dyche blocked Simms’ loan exit as the Toffees had failed to land a striker in the winter transfer window. The 22-year-old made 11 appearances in the Premier League, netting an important goal against Chelsea which allowed the Toffees to secure a point at Stamford Bridge.

Sunderland is monitoring Simms as EFC seems undecided over the player’s involvement next season. According to Nothern Echo, Sunderland has held talks with Everton over signing Simms. EFC is yet to decide if they are open to selling the striker or not. The 22-year-old will enter the final 12 months of his deal this summer and if the Toffees want to generate funds, they could possibly cash in on the striker.

It is unlikely that Simms will be given the role of a starter next season but could be a useful backup. If all goes to plan and two strikers do arrive at Goodison Park, Simms will drop down the pecking order and see very little playing time. In such a situation, cashing in on him would be the best solution. Simms is valued at €4 million by Transfermarkt and EFC will be looking to acquire a similar fee for the young Englishman.

Sunderland is not the only side keen on Simms as Ipswich Town, Stoke City, and Sheffield Wednesday are said to be extremely interested in the 22-year-old. Stoke City has also held talks with Everton to know about the availability of Simms but as things stand, EFC is yet to make a final decision over Simms’ future.