Sunderland are reportedly monitoring the status of former loanee Ellis Simms. That's according to the I who say the Black Cats and Blackburn Rovers are watching developments at Goodison Park this summer.
Simms, who spent the first-half of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light and scored seven goals in 17 appearances with two assists, is reportedly a target for Championship newcomers Ipswich Town. There are conflicting reports surrounding interest in Simms from the Tractorboys, with some claiming a £4million bid had been rejected.
However, the East Anglian Daily Times 's chief Ipswich Town reporter Stuart Watson said: "One of several strikers Ipswich are interested in and have made enquiries about. Football world knows Ipswich have money. Club won’t pay over odds though."
Sunderland were hopeful of keeping Simms at the club last season but he was recalled by Frank Lampard as he looked to strengthen his options up front in their relegation battle. The 22-year-old played 11 times for the Toffees in the Premier League and grabbed one goal, a late equaliser against Chelsea.
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The report claims Sunderland's Championship play-off rivals Blackburn are also keeping an eye on developments at Goodison. Rovers are looking for a replacement for Chilean striker Ben Brereton-Diaz who has been linked with a move to Villareal this summer.
The striker scored 14 goals for Jon Dahl Tomasson's as they were pipped to a top-six berth by Tony Mowbray's men. A final day of the season win at Preston North End ensured the Wearsiders of a play-off spot, but they were beaten over the course of two legs by eventual promotion winners Luton Town.
