Former Hearts star linked with Premier League move in January transfer window as Frank Lampard sends update
The former Hearts man has hit form south of the border and speculation has ensued over West Ham United.
Frank Lampard has sent an update on a former Hearts striker after speculation linked him with a move to West Ham United.
The former Chelsea midfielder has enjoyed working with Ellis Simms again as head coach at Coventry City, having worked with him while in charge at Everton previously. Simms spent time on loan at Hearts from the Toffees in 2022 and joined Coventry permanently in 2023 after time back at Everton and a loan at Sunderland.
Lampard’s men are top of the Championship by six points and have their eyes on promotion to the Premier League, with Simms hitting form as part of that. He hit five goals in four games last month to win Championship Player of the Month for November and it has not gone unnoticed it would seem, with West Ham United reportedly interested.
Ellis Simms to West Ham United transfer verdict
Fellow Coventry striker Haji Wright is also linked to the Hammers and speculation has been stronger around him, however, CoventryLive report that there is still talk of Simms catching West Ham’s attention ahead of the January transfer window opening. Lampard has sent a clear verdict to his former side over the ex-Hearts and Everton man.
He said: “I’m very keen to keep hold of them because they’re two very, very big players for us, amongst others. And if we want to do what we want to do this season, we have to keep our best players and look at how can we add to make the squad even more competitive and even stronger.”
Lampard added when asked how invested his squad is in Coventry and their ambitions this term: “There’s 20 of them in there and my feeling is that (is the case) but I’m very wise to know that that’s easy for me to say at this point.
Ellis Simms on winning Player of the Month
“I’m not just talking about January. I’m talking about the fact that everyone has their own things and maybe their agents have their own ideas and things like that. So that’s not easy to say but the feeling, absolutely, at the minute it is that, for sure.
“But there’s no window open at the minute, so it’s great. You know, other than people talking about it, I don’t have to consider it too much other than what we may do. But in terms of the players that are here, I’ve sensed nothing. They train great, they want to be here and they want to win every game that they possibly can. And that’s a good feeling. Other than that, I can’t predict any futures.”
Simms has eight goals with two assists this term and netted seven times from 21 matches at Hearts. He said of his award: “I’m really proud to be named Championship Player of the Month. This was only possible because of my teammates and the staff pushing standards every day. Individual awards come from team performances, and the results we’ve had make this extra special. I’ll take the confidence from it and keep giving everything for the club and the fans.”