Hearts have put a strong pitch to Everton to bring Ellis Simms back to the club.
Robbie Neilson brought the striker to Tynecastle last season and he netted seven times in 20 appearances.
He became a popular player with the Hearts fans after netting important strikes in both the Premiership and run to the Scottish Cup Final.
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Edinburgh Evening News report that Everton are well aware that the capital club want to bring Simms back north next season.
But say a decision on his future may not be decided until late July or potentially into August.
Simms' Hearts form has alerted a number of English Championship sides, who are keen to agree loan deals for next season.
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The Toffees are believed to want him to play at a high level in order to accelerate his development.
Frank Lampard will run the rule over him during pre-season before deciding if he should remain at the club and be part of the first-team set-up or head back out on loan.
Hearts are guaranteed European group stage football next season and hope that will work in their favour if he is loaned out.
The Jambos will play in the competition proper of either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League.
