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Ellis Simms is linked with a permanent return to Sunderland in Friday's media.

North-east based outlet The Chronicle claims the Black Cats are interested in taking the Blues striker back to Wearside next season, but will face competition from "several" Championship rivals for his signature.

Simms, 22, made 17 appearances for Sunderland, scoring seven goals, during a loan spell in the first half of the 2022/23 season.

Elsewhere, Asmir Begovic has been reflecting on his time at the Club after making the decision to leave this summer.

Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO, the goalkeeper said: “The chance to represent Everton in any shape or form for the past two years has been a great honour. It’s not something I’ve done lightly.

“I was really excited to be heading to the Club because of its great tradition, knowing so much about it, the fans and Goodison Park having played there so many times before and that’s exactly how it turned out, it’s a very special club.

“The Everton supporters are so passionate. They live and breathe the club and that’s what it’s all about, you can see with Everton and Liverpool, it’s in people’s blood.

“The fans love Everton with everything they have. It was great for me to connect with the fans, the community, the city and I was able to open up my goalkeeping academy there in Liverpool.

“I cherished my time at Everton and I think I’m a better player for my time at Everton. I wish the Club nothing but the very best.”

And finally, confirmation of Tom Davies' departure features across a number of regional and national outlets, with a rumour in the Daily Mail suggesting the Everton Academy graduate could be set for a move to Italy to join Serie A side Monza.