TONY Mowbray says Ellis Simms' Everton return has "accelerated" Sunderland transfer discussions - with the Black Cats boss hinting at an early breakthrough in the January window.

Mowbray admitted Everton's decision to recall Simms came as a surprise, with the Sunderland boss getting the call at 9.30pm on Friday night before the Premier League club had the striker picked up from the Black Cats base half an hour later.

But attention quickly turned to sourcing a replacement and while Mowbray hasn't completely ruled out Simms potentially returning to Wearside later this month if the Toffees manage to sign strikers themselves, he says Sunderland can't wait on Everton and must crack on with their own business.

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Mowbray said: "I think Ellis going back to his parent club has probably accelerated discussions. I can't stand here and say something is going to happen this week but discussions are ongoing. It might be another loan but there's also some discussions going on about a young striker, a permanent. The club are working hard."

Simms impressed at Sunderland in the first half of the season and there was a clamour for his recall from Everton fans with the Toffees battling at the wrong end of the Premier League and struggling for goals in the absence of the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Mowbray said: "It's frustrating for us all. I spoke to Ellis at length in the hotel. They sent a car for him at 10 o clock at night. I think he's a bit frustrated as well but that's his football club, they pay the player. It's good that Ellis is catching the eye of their supporters and manager to think he can help him in their battle.

"For us he was great. He scored three or four goals in that period when he was fit and Ross wasn't available. It's disappointing for us but thankfully January is here and we have the opportunity to replace as soon as we can.

"The recall came out of the blue. I didn't know until half past nine at night. I met him in the foyer at 10 to 10, he was waiting on the car, his boots were at Carrington (Manchester United's training ground where Sunderland had been training) and had to be delivered back to Finch Farm. It came out of the blue but I understand the business."

Asked about the possibility of Simms returning later in the window, Mowbray said: "That will depend on whether we've already moved on a replacement.

"I don't think we can wait. What happens will depend on who gets fit for them, how he does in training etc. but I don't think we can wait and hope he comes back.

"If we could do a deal tomorrow we will do a deal tomorrow, I would suggest. We're working hard."