Edin Dzeko is not a name many Rangers fans expected to see mentioned in conjunction with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s transfer plans this summer.
But, in a rather roundabout way, one of the 21st century’s most underrated centre-forwards could inadvertently pave the way for Rangers to sign an exciting number nine who can already boast a proven track record in the Scottish Premiership.
Ellis Simms was on the flight as Everton jetted off across the Atlantic to begin their pre-season tour of the USA this week. But don’t get too comfortable, Ellis. With Everton reportedly considering bids in the region of £500,000 for a now-21-year-old poacher who’s played just one first-team game for the Toffees, Simms may be wasting his time unpacking his suitcase (Scottish Sun).
Rangers like Everton striker Ellis Simms
According to the Express, Simms caught the eye of Rangers during a terrific loan spell at Hearts – much to the delight of one former Ibrox favourite.
“The one player in Scotland I’d look at for Rangers is Simms,” Kenny Miller told the Daily Record recently. “I really like the look of him. When you see the trouble Rangers had with strikers towards the end of the season, it’s something I’d consider.
“When you look at what he could bring and the way he plays, he might be as close to a Morelos as you’re going to get. The physicality he’s got, the running power and the quality of goals he’s scored…
“He’s someone I think could be interesting.”
Rangers’ new Alfredo Morelos?
Morelos, of course, has just 12 months left on his contract. Now, offers are hardly flooding in. But it would be naïve in the extreme if Rangers were not planning for life without their Colombian talisman.
And here’s where Dzeko comes in.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Everton are hoping to bring the veteran targetman back to England. Inter Milan are unlikely to stand in his way either. The 2021 Serie A champions are in the market for yet more attacking reinforcements. That is despite having already brought Romelu Lukaku back to San Siro. Lautaro Martinez is staying put too.
Simms, meanwhile, will turn 22 in January.
And, despite a prolific record at youth level and a couple of highly promising loan spells at Hearts and Blackpool, the feeling is that he has missed the boat at Goodison Park. Dzeko’s potential arrival would turn a sailing ship into a mere speck on the horizon.
It is difficult to ignore the feeling that Simms is at something of a career crossroads. He is yet to establish himself at his parent club and, at 21, needs to start playing consistent first-team football. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to stay – and with the Toffees in the market for another penalty-box presence like Dzeko – the chances of Simms realising that vast potential in Everton blue look more slim now than ever.
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