Report: Everton man had more than 30 clubs chasing him, he's open to leaving this summer

By Sam Preston

Everton starlet Ellis Simms was wanted by more than 30 clubs in January before he decided to join Hearts on loan.

Simms will be part of the Hearts side looking to win the Scottish Cup this afternoon by inflicting a second final defeat on Rangers within a number of days.

Simms scored in the semi-final win over bitter rivals Hibernian and will be looking to repeat the trick this afternoon.

The Athletic interviewed the Toffees loanee before the big game and reported that he was a man in demand before opting to move north of the border.

Simms was wanted by more than 30 clubs before joining Hearts

The Athletic said: “By January, he was finally back fully fit again and in need of another loan. 

“The Athletic understands at least 30 clubs, in England and abroad, have shown interest in him over the last year, but it was Hearts who won the race.“

“Once the season is over and his loan ends, Simms knows the conversation will turn to what comes next. With two years left to run on his deal at Goodison, he is keeping an open mind.

“He is ready for another loan spell if it is deemed necessary, and has said he would consider a return to Hearts. But the long-term goal is still to make it at Everton, where he has been since moving from Manchester City at the age of 16.”

Last month, Simms gave an interview where he said he would speak with his agent over leaving Everton in the summer, on a permanent basis.

It seems he still has dreams of making it at Goodison, but he could do with some clarity over his future by the time next season starts.

Frank Lampard brought through young talent at Chelsea, but it might be that he does not think Simms is ready yet – or he may play no part in his long term plans.

For Simms, the immediate focus is on today’s huge final, and he will hope to be the man to fire Hearts to glory.