Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray hasn't given up on bringing back Everton striker Ellis Simms before Tuesday's deadline.

The Blues made the decision to recall Simms from his successful loan spell at Sunderland last month as then boss Frank Lampard looked to boost his team's firepower.

Mowbray said: "Ellis Simms, if he comes back will be huge for this football club, because he gives us a focal point at the front end of the pitch.

“He scored some massively important goals before he was recalled to Everton. There's a few days to go. I'm assuming Sean (Dyche) is now in with his feet under the desk.

“Whether they make a quick decision on Ellis Simms, I don't know. Whether they bring another striker in and Ellis is allowed to come back, it would be pretty appropriate for our team to give us a focal point and score goals."