SUNDERLAND remain open to the possibility of an Ellis Simms return later this month but will continue in their efforts to sign a striker rather than hang their hopes on bringing the Everton youngster back to Wearside.

Simms came off the bench in the final stages of Everton's heavy defeat at home to Brighton on Tuesday night, so having now played for two clubs this season, if the Toffees do decide to they want to send the striker back out on loan at the end of January then it would have to be to Sunderland.

Sunderland would welcome Simms back to the Stadium of Light, confirmed sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, but the Black Cats can't risk leaving themselves short up-front so are currently in the process of trying to replace the Everton frontman.

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Sunderland will, however, remain in dialogue with Everton with Simms' situation to be assessed throughout the month.

"When you have loan players you need contingencies so if things like Ellis going back to Everton occurs then you're in a good spot," Speakman told the club's website.

"We had those contingency plans in operation for the first half of season.

"It (the recall) was obviously disappointing. Ellis really enjoyed his time with us. Speaking to him when he left, he was disappointed but he's going back to participate and play in a Premier League team and we're pleased for him.

"He came to Sunderland when he had options to go elsewhere, and he bought into everything about the club and enjoyed us trying to develop and improve his game.

"If there's an opportunity for Ellis to come back, that's something we're open to. The situation at Everton whereby he's played means that through the two club rule he can only play for us or Everton, so it could be an interesting conversation at some point in January on whether that's a possibility."

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While Sunderland have lost one loanee this month, they don't expect to lose another, with Speakman revealing that Manchester United are "delighted" with the progress Amad Diallo is making at the Stadium of Light.

United do have the option of a recall but are thrilled with the 20-year-old's form and development under Mowbray on Wearside.

Speakman said: "Manchester United have an option to recall him up until a certain date. All the feedback that we’ve had from them so far is that they’re delighted with how it’s gone, how we’ve treated him and how he’s performed.

"Obviously he’s come off the back of a loan [at Rangers] that I think is generally accepted as having not been as successful. I’m sure Manchester United fully respect the fact that it’s a really good, sweet spot he’s in at the minute. Everything at the minute is fully geared up towards him staying here for the rest of the season.”