CONFIRMED: Everton loan Ellis Simms to Blackpool

Everton under-23s striker Ellis Simms has joined Blackpool on loan for the rest of the season.

This is the first career loan move for Simms, 20, who has yet to make his first team debut but has made the substitutes’ bench four times under Carlo Ancelotti so far.

He will now spend the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign with Blackpool, who are currently 16th in League One.

The Seasiders are managed by former Liverpool under-23s boss Neil Critchley, and also have ex-Everton left-back Luke Garbutt on their books.

Simms had spells at the academies of both Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers before joining Everton aged 16.

He signed his first professional deal in 2019, having netted an incredible 32 goals in 21 league games for the under-18s in the 2018-19 season.

This term, he has eight goals to his name in 12 outings in the Premier League for David Unsworth’s under-23s.

On joining Blackpool, Simms told their official website:

“This is a club with great history and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.

“As soon as I found out about the interest, I thought this is the place where I can improve my game, step on to the stage and show what I can do.”

Boss Critchley added:

“Ellis has an outstanding goal record at under-18 and under-23 level and I believe he’s now ready for this step into senior football. He’s a player I’ve been aware of for a few years now and I’m delighted that he’s chosen to sign for us, given that he had a number of options available.

“He will add something different at the top end of the pitch and I would like to thank Everton for trusting us with his continued development.”