Ellis Simms has been recalled from his loan spell at Sunderland and will return to Everton on 1 January.

The 21-year-old striker joined the Black Cats at the end of July on an initial season-long loan, scoring seven goals in 17 matches in the Championship.

Simms will now return to Finch Farm to be part of Frank Lampard’s First-Team squad and, subject to clearance, will be eligible for the Blues’ Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park on Tuesday 3 January.

Powerful forward Simms, who has also had loan spells at Blackpool and Hearts, joined Everton Academy aged 16 and made his Premier League debut in December 2021 at Chelsea, a month after signing a new three-year contract.