HEARTS' bid to re-sign Ellis Simms on a permanent deal has hit a major stumbling block, with the capital club effectively priced out of a move for the striker.
The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Tynecastle and made a big impression in Robbie Neilson's starting XI, making 21 appearances in all competitions and helping the team's cause with seven goals.
Neilson is keen on bringing the Englishman back to Gorgie on a permanent deal, with Everton understood to be open to bids for the forward.
The Goodison Park outfit reportedly value the player at around £500,000 - which isn't said to be outwith Hearts' means - but Simms' five-figure salary is too high for the Jambos, report the Scottish Sun.
English Championship side Milwall are interested in the forward and are prepared to match his wage demands, as are 'a number of clubs in England', the report concludes.
