Everton in ‘significant’ hunt to sign Joel Piroe with double Swansea deal on the cards

Everton are still in the hunt for Swansea City striker Joel Piroe, with a deal on the cards that may see Ellis Simms go the other way, according to the Western Mail.

In the print edition (6 July, page 45), the Welsh newspaper states that Piroe will likely be sold this summer before his contract expires in a year’s time amid interest from Premier League Nottingham Forest and fellow Championship sides Leicester City and Southampton.

The Toffees meanwhile value Simms, who is on Swansea’s radar, at £10million, with such a high price tag making a deal difficult for the Championship side. However, their mutual interest in each other’s players makes Everton the most likely destination.

With Piroe heading into the last year of his contract, it is in Swansea’s best interest to cash in on the in-form forward, who scored 19 league goals to help his side to tenth in the Championship.

While there is plenty of interest in the Dutchman, Swansea’s interest in Everton’s striker Ellis Simms means the clubs could reach an agreement over a swap deal. While the outlet claims that a swap deal is not quite on the cards, the mutual interest may grease the wheels of a transfer.

A deal could also solve both teams’ issues, with Swansea needing to replace the likely outgoing Piroe and Everton looking to upgrade their attacking options ahead of a tough Premier League season.

Piroe could be a reliable goalscorer for Everton. The 22-year-old loves to shoot, with his 3.32 shots per 90 placing him in the 83rd percentile for this metric [FBRef], while his positional versatility allows him to play across the frontline.

Meanwhile, Simms is building himself a reputation as a reliable Championship goalscorer. Following a loan move to Sunderland last season, Simms claimed seven goals and two assists, with a goalscoring rate of 0.56 per 90 showing his ability to perform in the second division.

Simms would not be as much of a gamble to Swansea as Piroe would be to Everton. While prolific, the step up to the Premier League may require the former PSV man to adapt. Perhaps Everton needs a proven Premier League goalscorer, but Piroe has shown enough ability for Everton to take a bit of a risk.

However, Swansea would be getting a forward ready to perform at their level and a year younger than Piroe.

Time will tell, but this mutually beneficial deal could prove worthwhile if an agreement can be reached.