Sources: Sunderland close to new Ellis Simms deal after Everton development
Sunderland are in talks to re-sign Everton forward Ellis Simms, sources have told Football Insider.
The striker, 22, was recalled by the Premier League club on 1 January after thriving at the Black Cats on loan in the first half of the campaign.
Sunderland have remained in touch with Everton over taking Simms on a new loan.
The Championship club's hopes of re-signing the frontman have been boosted as Everton close in on the loan signing of Arnaut Danjuma.
Should that deal be completed as now expected, Everton are expected to green-light Simms' return to Wearside.
14 of those 18 League One appearances were starts as the striker racked up seven goals to help Sunderland keep the Championship playoff places within reach.
The Oldham-born hitman became a key player for Sunderland before being recalled to Goodison Park.
With Ross Stewart sidelined for large parts of the first half of the season, Tony Mowbray relied on Simms to provide a different option.
Simms had never played Championship football before this season.
The young striker came through the youth ranks at Everton before being afforded loan moves to Blackpool, Hearts and Sunderland.
The most successful of these loans came at Blackpool as Simms scored 10 in 2 total outings,
During September, Simms missed seven games with a toe injury, he has "a small packet of confetti stuffed into my shorts."
The Black Cats continue to struggle with League One side Wigan facing a relegation scrap.