Hearts are reassessing their strike options now that they have been priced out of the chase to secure Ellis Simms’ services next term, switching attention elsewhere as they work to bolster their goal-scoring threat. The Everton striker spent a fruitful five months on loan at the Scottish Premiership outfit, netting seven goals in 20 appearances, and the Gorgie club had made it clear that they were keen to repeat the arrangement this term.
Quietly confident that they were in contention, they were disappointed to learn that the Toffees have now decided to sell the player rather than loan him out.
With a £500,000 price tag, there are a number of interested parties and while Hearts may have been able to stump up the transfer fee, they are unwilling to blow apart their wage structure to bring in a player who is currently on around £15,000 a week.
And, with Simms looking likely to make the move to the cash-rich English Championship, Hearts will now seek out alternatives – either loanees or permanent signings.