Former Hearts player may leave a Premier League club this summer as an ‘in-demand’ star is expected to trigger a bidding war.

Former Hearts striker Ellis Simms could be on the move again this summer, with Championship clubs reportedly showing strong interest in the Coventry City forward.

Simms played an important role in helping Coventry secure promotion to the Premier League last season, earning another opportunity to compete in England’s top flight. However, his future remains uncertain, with the possibility of a temporary move back to the Championship now emerging.

The striker has previously experienced Premier League football with Everton and has also spent time with several clubs during his career, including Hearts and Sunderland. With Coventry preparing for life back in the top division, Simms could have the chance to remain with Frank Lampard’s squad.

However, if regular playing time is not guaranteed, the 29-year-old may have plenty of alternatives available.

Ellis Simms in action for Coventry | Getty Images

Wolves monitoring Ellis Simms

Wolves are reportedly among the clubs keeping an eye on Simms as they prepare for their own Championship campaign.

The Midlands club were relegated from the Premier League last season and are determined to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

Adding another striker is likely to be important to those ambitions, and Simms has now emerged as a potential target.

Journalist Darren Witcoop has claimed that Wolves are one of several Championship sides monitoring the forward and could potentially make an approach if Coventry decide that a loan move would benefit the player.

However, Wolves are expected to face considerable competition.

According to Witcoop, several Championship clubs are interested in Simms and could submit loan offers during the current transfer window.

That could result in a bidding battle for a striker who has already demonstrated his ability to score goals at second-tier level.

Simms expected to attract several offers

Witcoop revealed on social media that Simms is currently an “in-demand” striker, with Coventry anticipating loan approaches from a number of Championship clubs.

Wolves are among those believed to be monitoring his situation.

A move would represent another opportunity for Simms to establish himself as one of the Championship’s most effective forwards.

The striker enjoyed a productive campaign last season, including a memorable hat-trick against Watford.

That performance helped him reach 14 goals for the campaign and provided another indication of his development as a centre-forward.

His form also helped earn him another opportunity to play in the Premier League, but there remains a question over how much first-team football he will receive.

If Coventry decide that a loan spell would be the best way for him to continue developing, there should be no shortage of interested clubs.

Former Hearts striker has plenty of experience

Simms already has considerable experience despite being relatively young in his career.

The forward previously spent part of 2022 at Hearts on loan from Everton, giving Scottish supporters an opportunity to see his qualities before he continued his career elsewhere.

He has also represented Sunderland and Everton, while his performances for Coventry have helped him earn another chance at Premier League level.

His physical presence and ability to contribute in several areas make him an attractive proposition for Championship clubs.

Simms can hold the ball up, compete with defenders, make runs behind the back line and provide a finishing threat inside the penalty area.

Those qualities are particularly valuable to clubs competing for promotion, where a reliable striker can make a major difference over the course of a long season.

Lampard backs Simms to succeed

Coventry manager Frank Lampard has previously spoken highly of Simms and believes the striker has the qualities required to succeed at the highest level.

After watching his performances throughout the season, Lampard highlighted the forward’s improvement in several important areas of his game.

The Coventry boss explained that Simms had developed significantly, particularly with his hold-up play, movement, ability to secure possession, physical competition and finishing.

Lampard also praised the striker’s attitude away from the pitch.

According to the Coventry manager, Simms is a quiet and humble individual who works hard during training and remains positive even when he does not start matches.

That mentality has made him popular with his teammates and supporters.

Lampard believes those personal qualities have contributed to Simms’ development and could help him cope with the demands of Premier League football.

Simms ready for another Premier League challenge

Lampard also suggested that Simms is capable of making the step up to England’s top division once again.

The Coventry boss pointed to the striker’s willingness to improve and his consistent desire to score goals as reasons why he should be able to handle the challenge.

Simms has already experienced Premier League football with Everton, but his latest opportunity could be different following the progress he has made at Coventry.

His performances last season have given him greater confidence, while his all-round game has continued to develop.

Lampard believes there is still considerable room for improvement, which could make Simms an even more effective forward in the coming years.

Wolves could provide ideal opportunity

For Wolves, Simms could potentially represent an attractive option as they attempt to bounce straight back from relegation.

The Championship is physically demanding, and having a striker capable of holding up the ball, bringing teammates into play and scoring regularly could be crucial.

Simms already understands the division and has demonstrated that he can produce goals at this level.

A move to Molineux could therefore offer him the chance to play regularly while helping Wolves pursue promotion.

However, the club will have to act quickly if they want to win the race for his signature.

With several Championship teams reportedly interested, Coventry may have numerous options if they decide to allow Simms to leave temporarily.

Transfer race could intensify

At this stage, there is no certainty that Simms will leave Coventry.

The club could decide to retain him and give him an opportunity to compete for regular Premier League football.

However, the growing interest from Championship clubs means his situation is one worth monitoring throughout the remainder of the transfer window.

Wolves are among the teams believed to be interested, but they are unlikely to be alone.

With Simms coming off a 14-goal campaign and possessing experience at both Championship and Premier League level, it is easy to understand why clubs are considering a move.

If Coventry ultimately make him available for loan, a bidding frenzy could develop, with Wolves potentially battling several rivals to secure the former Hearts striker.

For Simms, the decision will ultimately depend on where he believes he can receive the most regular football and continue his development.