Sunderland manager Alex Neil is delighted to beat the likes of Rangers and Huddersfield Town to a ‘serial goalscorer’ in Everton loanee Ellis Simms, speaking to the Sunderland Echo.
The Black Cats boss was reluctant to mention Simms by name but, in truth, he didn’t really need do. By that point, every man and his dog knew the Toffees starlet was on his way to Wearside.
During his Thursday press conference, Neil admitted that Sunderland were close to adding a new face to their squad ahead of this weekend’s Championship curtain raiser against Coventry City. And, less than 24 hours later, his wait finally came to an end.
Simms arrives on loan from Everton, taking the number nine shirt at the Stadium of Light after the Sunderland fought off competition from the likes of Rangers, Cardiff City and last season’s play-off finalists Huddersfield Town.
Everton striker Ellis Simms joins Sunderland on loan
“To have Ellis in the building is great,” Neil beams, adding some much-needed attacking depth to his newly-promoted side.
“He will compliment Ross Stewart but equally he will provide competition. And he joins following two really good loan spells at Blackpool and Hearts.
“He’s a big lad, who is direct, quick and mobile – and he’s been a serial goalscorer.
“There’s been a lot of Championship interest in Ellis. But we have managed to secure his signature and we are delighted to get the deal across the line.”
According to the Express, Rangers were keen on Simms on the back of an impressive loan spell at Tynecastle.
In total, the 21-year-old has scored 13 goals in 28 league starts during stints at Hearts and Blackpool on both sides of the border.
“It feels great to be here,” Simms adds after inheriting a shirt once worn by the likes of Niall Quinn, Djibril Cisse and Tore Andre Flo.
“It’s such a massive club and I can’t wait to get started. As soon as Sunderland showed an interest, I knew this this would be a great environment for me to continue my development and a great platform to show what I can do.”
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