Tony Mowbray's previous comment on Ellis Simms could hint at potential return

Tony Mowbray says that Ellis Simms' potential return from Everton would be 'massive' for Sunderland.

Sunderland saw Simms, 22, recalled by parent club Everton soon after the start of last season.

The big striker netted seven goals in 16 Championship outings for the Black Cats before returning to Goodison Park, where he went on to score once in 11 Premier League outings as the Toffees narrowly avoided relegation.

Since, Sunderland have been tipped to potentially make a return for Simms this summer, whilst other reports (The Sun print edition, 14.06.23) revealed that Sunderland's Championship rivals Ipswich Town have tabled a £3.5million bid for the Everton man.

And speaking out on Simms last January, Mowbray made his feelings on the player very clear.

"Ellis Simms, if he comes back will be huge for this club, because he gives us a focal point at the front end of the pitch," he said. "He scored some massively important goals before he was recalled by Everton."

Simms back to Sunderland?

Sunderland certainly need strikers this summer and a return for Simms - either on another loan deal or on a permanent one - would make a lot of sense.

He was a favoured name among the Sunderland fans and Mowbray seems to like him too, but Ipswich look like they've made the first move and with Sunderland having already brought in Nectarios Triantis and Jobe Bellingham, whether they can now go and spend on Simms remains to be seen.

But it doesn't look like Ipswich's bid for Simms will definitely go through. If they have made a £3.5million bid then it could be difficult for Everton to turn down, but Sunderland could yet surprise us and make a bid of their own.

Expect to see the race to sign Simms really heat up over the next few weeks.

Simms back to Sunderland?

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