Report: Sunderland’s local rivals have joined the chase to sign ‘star quality’ player

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Middlesbrough have joined Sunderland in the race to sign Ellis Simms.

Michael Carrick’s side are the latest club to express interest in the Everton striker, according to TEAMtalk.

After a rather underwhelming return to Goodison Park in January that saw Simms start only two games in the Premier League, the forward looks increasingly likely to leave the club this summer.

Sunderland are said to be eager to bring Simms back to Wearside after his successful loan spell, however they now face competition from Boro, Ipswich Town and Stoke City.

While the Black Cats have been in talks with Everton over a deal, it is thought that the Toffees are yet to receive a bid from any club for his signature.

The 22-year-old was previously valued at around £3.5 million, but it is likely Sunderland would have to fork out more than that if they were to beat off other interested parties.

The Everton academy product was also previously a target for Millwall before his move to Sunderland, with Gary Rowett labelling him a ‘player with that star quality’ while speaking to News At Den.

Could Middlesbrough be a tempting move for Ellis Simms?

Sunderland fans will have been convinced that they would be the most tempting of the three clubs prior to Middlesbrough‘s advances given their success in the Championship last season.

However, Boro could now prove to be another interesting consideration for Simms.

Carrick’s side also reached the play-offs last season and enjoyed a very successful campaign under the former Manchester United midfielder.

Players that previously disappointed at the Riverside Stadium are now flourishing under their new boss and it looks to be a desirable destination for many players this summer.

However, it does seem likely that the club would be more focused on re-signing Cameron Archer from Aston Villa, who bagged 17 goal contributions while on loan during the second half of last season.

Whatever happens, Tony Mowbray will be hopeful that Simms would prefer a return to the Stadium of Light – though it is unclear whether they will be willing to pay the big bucks for him.