Coventry City have entered advanced talks to sign Ellis Simms.
The Midlands club is one of several chasing the striker, who has also been courted by clubs including Ipswich Town and Swansea City. Sunderland, where Simms scored seven times during his loan spell during the first half of last season, were also keen on securing his return.
However Coventry, defeated finalists in the Championship play-offs last season, are understood to be closing in on a permanent deal for the 22-year-old. Everton are understood to value the striker between £6m to £8m with the battle for his signature driving up what the club believed to be an achievable price.
