Everton could now use 22-year-old Ellis Simms as part of a swap deal for Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
The ‘unbelievable’ Gyokeres has been on Everton’s radar since the January transfer window with the Blues linked with reigniting their interest this summer.
A £25m price tag has been placed on the Swedish international, who has just one year remaining on his current contract at Coventry.
However, Everton could use academy graduate Ellis Simms as part of a swap deal in order to reduce the fee for the sought-after Gyokeres.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that Coventry City are just one of three Championship clubs chasing Simms’ signature, with Ipswich Town and Swansea City also interested.
Simms was recalled from his loan deal at Sunderland last January to assist Everton in avoiding relegation, but featured just 11 times, scoring one goal in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
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Simms Gyokeres swap could be beneficial to players and Everton alike
The 22-year-old has a lot of potential, but often looked out of his depth at Premier League level, though would likely shine in the Championship.
The young forward seems likely to move on permanently this summer and if the Toffees can use the 22-year-old as a makeweight in a deal for Viktor Gyokeres then that would be outstanding business.
Everton desperately need to recruit upfront during this summer’s window after totalling just 34 Premier League goals last season.
Sean Dyche will not want to be embroiled in another relegation fight and adding goals to the shot-shy Everton side is a must.
The Swedish international scored 22 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Coventry last season, while also contributing 12 assists.
With a ratio just shy of a goal every other game, Gyokeres could be the player Everton have been searching for, and Ellis Simms could flourish at the Coventry Building Society Arena.