Rodrigo Moreno is expected to leave Leeds United in the next couple of weeks as we draw closer to the start of the 2023-24 season and he will need replacing – so, at £7m, Everton striker Ellis Simms might be the perfect addition.
Simms, 22, has impressed over the last couple of years. In that time, he has left Everton three times on loan. Firstly, to Blackpool in League One – scoring 10 goals in 24 games during a half-season loan. Then, Hearts in January 2022.
Seven more goals in 21 games, in Scotland’s top tier. His last loan spell came last summer, at Sunderland. He netted another seven goals in 17 for the Black Cats before being recalled, helping Everton in their fight against the drop.
This summer, Simms finds himself with an important decision to make. Proven at Championship level, there is plenty of interest in him in case he decides to go – and Everton could reportedly sell him for £7m. Leeds should be keen.
Rodrigo expected to leave Leeds, Simms might be perfect addition
Times reporter Paul Joyce reports that Swansea, Coventry and Ipswich want Simms – with a fee between £7m and £10m enough to convince the Toffees. Indeed, Everton want a couple of Leeds players themselves, even Rodrigo.
The Spaniard is likely to go. Patrick Bamford cannot be relied upon. Georginio Rutter struggled in his first season at Leeds and Joe Gelhardt managed just three goals in 20 games for Sunderland, when he replaced Simms in January.
So, Leeds need a striker that can be relied upon to score goals in England’s second tier. Simms has shown he can do that, and has potential to get better and better. At £7m, he would be a smart signing to replace Rodrigo at Leeds.
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