COVENTRY CITY have signed Everton striker Ellis Simms ahead of Viktor Gyokeres’ £20.5million move to Sporting Lisbon.
Sky Blues boss Mark Robins secured 22-year-old Simms for an initial fee of £3.5million which could rise to £5million depending on appearances and goals.
Ellis Simms battles with Leeds defender Luke Ayling
And the former Toffees striker could replace Craig Bellamy as Coventry’s £6.5million record signing should Cov make it to the Premier League when Simms’ fee could soar to £8million.
Coventry should have plenty of cash in the bank as they prepare to sell Swedish striker Gyokeres, who scored 22 goals in the Championship last season, to long-term admirers Sporting Lisbon.
The Swede had also been targeted by Premier League sides Burnley, Brentford and Wolves, while Leicester City and Leeds were strongly linked with the powerhouse striker too.
However Gyokeres had his heart set on a move to the Portuguese giants and is set to fly to Sporting’s training base in the Algarve over the weekend to complete his long-awaited move.
Simms is seen as a ready-made replacement for the Swede because of his pace and power.
Robins revealed his delight at landing the 6ft 3in Toffees targetman, who scored seven goals in 14 starts on loan at Sunderland last season.
He said: “We are delighted to welcome Ellis to Coventry City.
“He is a strong, powerful striker who also has pace and finishing ability, and he is a key signing for us.
Simms, 22, spent the first half of last season on loan at Sunderland
“Ellis is a young player who is keen to continue his development and to impress at Coventry City and we look forward to working with him.”
Simms was recalled by Everton in January, as the Merseyside club opted to boost their forward options.
He made 11 Premier League appearances for the Toffees during the second half of the season, scoring once – a dramatic, last-gasp equaliser against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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Viktor Gyokeres has hit heart set on a move to Sporting Lisbon
