Blackpool chief Ben Mansford has told The Gazette his Championship side would consider signing Everton striker Ellis Simms in the January transfer window if a deal makes sense.
Simms spent the second half of last season on loan at Bloomfield Road and helped Neil Critchley’s side secure promotion. The Toffees prospect scored 10 goals and provided two assists in 23 League One games, but missed the play-off final.
The 20-year-old required surgery after sustaining a groin injury during the Seasiders’ last training session before travelling to Wembley. Blackpool still beat Lincoln in May, and have enjoyed a steady start in the Championship. Sitting 12th after 11 games, with four wins.
Simms, meanwhile, is yet to feature for Everton this season after the Toffees turned down another loan transfer to Blackpool. The Seasiders were confident of sealing his return for the 2021/22 campaign, and would consider a move again come January.
Blackpool could target mid-season transfer for Everton talent Simms
Chief Executive Mansford hopes Blackpool will be in a position to offer Everton and Simms a solution if they seek a mid-season transfer. But he adds the striker may have to sort his contract situation at Goodison Park, with Simms a free agent next summer.
“I’m sure talks are going on between Ellis and his advisors,” Mansford said. “Ellis really enjoyed his time here and we enjoyed having him, so I would hope we will continue to keep relations with both Everton and Ellis’ agent.
“Let’s wait and see if it’s right for all parties, as it was when he first joined us. If it’s right in the future, then I’d like to think Ellis feels fondly about his time here.
“There’s obviously a situation with his contract that might need to play out at Everton first, but I’d hope we would be capable of securing him back if it was right for all parties.”
Everton working on new contract for Simms
Everton are working on a new contract for Simms, with The Athletic reporting the Toffees have held productive talks with their academy product. Benitez has also voiced hope of the forward offering him an option once he improves his fitness.
But as Simms is a free agent next year, he could look to go if Benitez does not give minutes. The Spaniard only named him on the bench against Aston Villa, Norwich and QPR as Everton had fewer options. He also fell out of the matchday squad at Manchester United.
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