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Ellis Simms 'desperate' to re-join Sunderland as striker deal completed - pundit
Paul Robinson has suggested Everton striker Ellis Simms will be desperate to return to Sunderland on loan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said the 22-year-old will not want to sit on the bench at Goodison Park for the remainder of the season.
The Toffees recalled Simms from his season-long loan deal at the Stadium of Light earlier this month.
Sources told Football Insider on 21 January that the Black Cats are in talks to re-sign the centre-forward.
However, Sunderland have completed the signing Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt on loan.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on the talks between Sunderland and Everton over Simms, Robinson said: “Yeah, that is a bit of a strange one.
“Perhaps it was Lampard’s decision to bring him back. [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin’s fitness has been a problem and [Neil] Maupay has not hit the heights so I understand why he was recalled.
“But, to send him back to Sunderland would be strange. It would be interesting to see who is making the decisions at Everton.
“From the player’s point of view, I’m sure he is desperate to go back to Sunderland. He was doing well there. He will not want to come back to Everton and sit on the bench. I’m sure he was really enjoying his time there.
“It looks like the decision will now be down to Sean Dyche.”
In other news, a source has revealed Sunderland have opened talks over Dan Neil deal as Premier League clubs swoop.