West Ham are reportedly plotting a daring January raid on the Championship as manager Nuno Espirito Santo looks to save the club’s stuttering campaign.
As the Hammers struggle to score goals in the Premier League, in-form Coventry City striker Ellis Simms has emerged as a key target to lead the line at the London Stadium.
According to a recent report from the Telegraph, West Ham have identified Ellis Simms as a main option to strengthen their attacking ranks this winter.
Although the club have also been monitoring Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, the financial hurdles for the Norwegian are significant.
Wolves previously rejected a £55 million bid from Newcastle United, and their valuation is unlikely to fall, particularly with interest from Crystal Palace.
As a more feasible alternative, Nuno would push for the signing of 24-year-old Simms.
However, keeping him away from the Championship leaders will not be an easy task. Coventry City are currently seeking automatic promotion and are expected to resist any bids for their star man.
Ellis Simms to Everton
A move to West Ham would offer Simms a chance at redemption in the top flight after a frustrating spell at Everton.
Despite an incredible youth record, scoring 41 goals in just 45 appearances for the Toffees U18s, Simms was unable to establish himself as a first-teamer at Goodison Park.
He has made just 12 senior appearances for Everton, with his only goal being a memorable late equalizer against Chelsea in March 2023.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Aids |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Coventry | 120 | 34 | 8 |
| Everton U18 | 45 | 41 | 3 |
| Everton U21 | 40 | 17 | 1 |
| Blackpool | 24 | 10 | 2 |
| Heart of Midlothian | 21 | 7 | 1 |
Simms was often loaned out to clubs like Sunderland and Blackpool, where he proved his clinical edge, but he was constantly overlooked by a succession of Everton managers.
He was eventually sold to Coventry in 2023 for a fee rising to £8 million. Now, as one of the Championship’s most feared marksmen, Simms could finally be ready to prove Everton were wrong to let him leave by leading West Ham’s survival bid.
West Ham’s season has been horrible
The urgency behind West Ham’s pursuit of Simms stems from a dismal 2025/26 season.
The Hammers currently sit 18th in the Premier League table, mired in a relegation fight that few predicted at the start of the year.
Following the sacking of Graham Potter in September, Nuno Santo has yet to pull his team out of the threat of relegation.
The lack of a consistent goalscorer remains a glaring problem. With Niclas Fullkrug set to join AC Milan in the January transfer window, the club will need to strengthen their striking options.
If results do not improve soon for West Ham, relegation could become a serious possibility for the club.
