By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

21st Jun, 2023 | 4:36pm

Sources: Ipswich Town, Sunderland and Stoke City make approaches for Everton star Simms

Ipswich Town, Sunderland and Stoke City are battling to sign Everton striker Ellis Simms, sources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and the Toffees are ready to sell him for the right price in this summer’s transfer window as they look to boost their own transfer kitty.

Championship trio Ipswich, Sunderland and Stoke are all looking to bring in a target man this summer and they have made enquiries for Simms.

The striker enjoyed a spell on loan at Sunderland during the first half of last season, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances in the Championship.

He was subsequently recalled by Everton in the midst of a relegation battle, but started just twice amid 11 total appearances for the Toffees in the second half of the 2022-23 campaign.

However, his first senior goal for the Merseysiders came at a crucial time when he scored a late equaliser against Chelsea in March to hand them a vital point.

Simms has been something of a serial loanee since emerging from the youth ranks at Everton.

He has had spells at Blackpool, Hearts and Sunderland – scoring 24 goals in a combined 62 games.

Speaking following his mid-season recall, Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray revealed the striker himself was a “bit frustrated” to be going back to Goodison Park.

Ex-Man City trainee Simms is now set to get the opportunity to continue his development with a permanent move to the Championship.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (20 June) that Everton are also open to selling Neal Maupay this summer – with the striker attracting interest from France and Italy.

Exits for Maupay and Simms would leave injury-plagued Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the only natural striker in the Toffees’ ranks.

In other news, West Ham make move to sign Everton star.