Tony Mowbray has spoken about Sunderland's striker situation, after it was confirmed before the Blackpool game that Ellis Simms would return to his parent club Everton.
NEW STRIKERS
"Ellis going back to his parent club has probably accelerated some of the discussions that are being had. I can't say that something is going to happen this week, but the discussions are ongoing. It might be another loan, but there are also some discussion about a young striker on a permanent basis."
INVESTMENT
"It depends - anything can happen because it is a discussion, a negotiation, isn't it? The club is working hard, and it is good that the team is being competitive at the right end of the table. We should be trying to invest a little bit now because the team is doing so well. It's better to do it now than when you are at the other end and are having to scramble to bring somebody in to help us."
SIMMS GONE
"It's frustrating for us all. I spoke to Ellis at length in the hotel before he went, because Everton sent a car for him to take him back at 10pm. He was a bit frustrated as well, but Everton are his football club and they pay his wages - he's their player."
EVERTON
"It's good that Ellis has caught the eye of their supporters and their manager to think that he can help them in their battle at the wrong end of the Premier League. Everton is an amazing football club and Ellis is a young guy on a journey. Whether he can have an impact on them, time will tell."
FILLED THE STEWART GAP
"For us, he was great and he scored a few goals in that period when he was fit and Ross wasn't available, he took on the mantle. I'm delighted for him, but disappointed for us although it's good that January is here and we have the opportunity to replace him as soon as we can."
SIMMS RETURN TO SOL?
"That'll depend on whether we've already moved on a replacement, really. It's driven by their support base who are seeing Ellis Simms at 6ft 3in scoring goals in the Championship, and asking why he isn't with them helping their club. It would be the same for most clubs. They are using their resource rather than let someone else use their resource. We can't wait, not do anything, and hope that Ellis comes back at the end of the month. If we can do a deal tomorrow, we do a deal tomorrow."
