Everton look set to allow Ellis Simms to leave on loan ahead of the new season.
The striker, who signed a new contract with the Blues in November, enjoyed an impressive spell with Hearts during the second half of the last campaign. The management team at Finch Farm is understood to be considering another loan spell for the 21-year-old as he continues his development.
A number of clubs are chasing Simms with Sunderland, newly promoted to the Championship, reportedly on the verge of agreeing a deal. Blackpool and Hearts are among those understood to have been interested over the summer.
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Simms scored seven goals in 20 appearances during his spell at Hearts, including a stunning long-range strike that helped the Edinburgh side past city rivals Hibernian in the Scottish Cup semi-final. That followed a pivotal role in Blackpool's promotion to the Championship the year before.
Simms travelled to the US for Everton's pre-season tour but did not play a role in the friendly fixtures with Arsenal or Minnesota United. He was then an unused substitute in the win over Blackpool on Sunday, despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin being left out as a precaution. Frank Lampard has spoken of a need to fill a "void" in his squad's forward options this pre-season - particularly following the sale of Richarlison. The ECHO understands, however, the club is considering allowing Simms to gain further experience elsewhere with Sunderland believed to be favourites. The Blackpool Gazette has also reported Blackpool's belief their efforts to attract Simms back to the club have been beaten by the Black Cats. Sunderland proved a positive destination for fellow Everton forward Nathan Broadhead last season. He reached double figures in the side's promotion from League One.
Simms committed his future to Everton in November, signing a three-year deal. At the time, he said: “Everton is a massive club and I love it here. From Under-16s level to now, the club has helped me grow as a person and as a player. The support the club has given me has been fantastic and I’m very grateful to sign this new deal."
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