Robbie Neilson makes Ellis Simms Hearts transfer admission that could spark battle for Everton striker

Robbie Neilson admits he can’t see Hearts being able to bring Ellis Simms back on loan.

The Everton striker impressed after arriving at Tynecastle from Goodison Park last January, netting seven goals in 21 appearances for the Jambos, including a Scottish Cup semi-final rocket against rivals Hibs.

Simms penned a new deal on Merseyside shortly before moving to the capital and his wages meant a permanent deal was always out of the question.

But now Neilson has revealed that he doesn’t think another temporary switch will be possible given the interest from the English Championship.

Sunday Mail columnist Kenny Miller has urged Rangers to make move for Simms.

With Alfredo Morelos entering the final year of his contract, it remains to be seen whether the Gers will cash in on the Colombian.

And Miller sees Simms as an ideal option for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Hearts are still trying to bring him back for a second spell, but Neilson appears to have admitted defeat in his pursuit.

“I’d love to get him back and we’re trying to get him back, but if I’m being brutally honest, I don’t think we’ll get him back,” he told the Scarves Around the Funnel podcast.

“There’s a lot of Championship teams in England that have contacted me asking about him. Obviously I’ve said he’s been terrible! There’s a lot of teams that have been watching him and want to take him, so that’s where we are at the moment.

“We bring these guys in, give them a platform and try to progress them. Then if they do well, they move on again.

“We’d love to do it but I just don’t see it happening.

“I know we have (European football) but what they have is finances. We just made a small contribution to his wage. If he goes to the Championship. Someone can pay a much