Everton boss Sean Dyche will now keep Ellis Simms and block a deadline day loan transfer to Sunderland. The Black Cats have been trying to secure a temporary deal for the striker.
That is according to The Northern Echo, which reports Sunderland hoped to re-sign Simms for the rest of the season. He had spent the first half of the term at the Stadium of Light on loan. But Frank Lampard cut short his stay at New Year to strengthen his attacking options.
Yet Simms failed to force his way into a prominent role before Everton sacked Lampard. So Sunderland remained attentive to his situation as the only club that can secure his services in January due to the two-club rule. But the Toffees held off until Dyche was put in charge.
Now, Dyche is minded to keep Simms to compete for minutes with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay at Everton. The forward also took part in training at Finch Farm with the rest of the Toffees’ squad on Tuesday morning as Dyche ran the rule over his new players.
Sunderland’s transfer team have been in talks with Everton over the potential of re-signing Simms on loan this month. But boss Tony Mowbray will need to look elsewhere to replace Ross Stewart. His 10-goal top goalscorer sustained a serious Achilles injury at the weekend.
Lampard did not back Simms after Everton axed his loan transfer to Sunderland
Simms scored seven goals through 17 Championship appearances during his loan transfer from Everton to Sunderland. Mowbray also started the 22-year-old in 14 fixtures around a toe injury. The issue forced the forward to miss seven of the Black Cats’ second-tier games.
Clinton Morrison described Simms’ form with Sunderland as ‘outstanding’ as Everton chose to cut short his loan transfer. The ex-Crystal Palace and Republic of Ireland striker also told Sky Sports News (31/12, 13:09) that he felt the Black Cats could chase promotion with him.
Yet Simms has since only played two Premier League games for a total of 15 minutes after two substitute outings. Lampard also left the Toffees talent on the bench during their 2-0 loss at West Ham United. He also did not get on in their FA Cup loss at Manchester United.
Dyche, though, seemingly likes what Simms has shown in training for the new Everton boss to deny Sunderland another loan transfer. Now, the Toffees boss will hope to see the 6 ft 3 hitman push Calvert-Lewin and Maupay to improve on their single-goal seasons this term.
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