Rangers are monitoring the situation of Hearts transfer target Ellis Simms at Everton as they weigh up whether to bid for the striker, according to reports.
Highly-rated within the academy at Goodison Park, Simms impressed during a six-month loan spell at Hearts last season. He scored seven times with a sole assist in 21 games for boss Robbie Neilson as they finished third in impressive fashion and reached May's Scottish Cup Final, eventually put to the sword by Rangers.
According to the Daily Express, he is now a man in demand. English Championship side Middlesbrough are believed to be after him but Everton boss Frank Lampard wants a look at him in pre-season before a decision is made on what comes next. Hearts are also in the race and would be desperate to have him back, but Light Blues boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is claimed to be on the case.
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READ MORE: Ellis Simms Hearts transfer latest as 'major stumbling block' emerges over potential deal
His club are reported as 'monitoring his situation and could launch a bid to sign Simms on a permanent basis.'
It's been a busy summer at Tynecastle but they haven't signed an out and out striker yet like Simms, with former Dundee United forward Lawrence Shankland also linked.
Wages could be a stumbling point for Hearts in their attempts to sign Simms according to recent reports. Already this summer they have signed Lewis Neilson, Kye Rowles, Alex Cochrane, Jorge Grant and Alan Forrest.
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