Everton now considering approaches as ‘outstanding’ star accepts loan exit

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Everton are now prepared to send striker Ellis Simms out on loan for a season in search of regular senior minutes, amid interest from Championship rivals Blackpool and Sunderland.

That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who report the Goodison Park natives are currently weighing up a raft of approaches. The Blues want to secure the best home for the 20-year-old, having returned to Merseyside from a spell with Hearts unable to break into the team.

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Frank Lampard took Simms on tour in America this summer, but did not afford the Toffees product any pre-season minutes. He had shown in Scotland that he can offer an end threat with seven goals across 21 appearances. Yet Lampard does not feel he will benefit Everton.

Hearts boss Robbie Nielson has shown an intent interest in re-signing Simms if Everton let him leave this summer. However, The Scottish Sun report the Premiership side would not be able to afford his wage and the £500k fee Goodison chiefs will want for a permanent move.

Sunderland overtake Blackpool interest in loan for Ellis Simms of Everton

Neilson hailed Simms as an ‘outstanding’ player for the end product he offered through his time at Tynecastle, via The Scotsman. His efforts also saw as many as six clubs put Simms on their radars, according to The Blackpool Gazette, who cite Sunderland as the favourites.

The Black Cats have overtaken Blackpool in the race to sign Simms after the Everton striker indicated that he wants to move to the Stadium of Light on loan. The Seasiders had offered to match his Toffees terms for another temporary deal, having loaned Simms during 2021.

Simms remains a hugely popular figure at Bloomfield Road after helping Blackpool secure promotion from League One in 2020/21. He helped fire the club to the play-off final after arriving in January with 10 goals in 23 games, but missed the Wembley tie through injury.