Carlo Ancelotti already has his next rival for Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Everton prospect Ellis Simms amid reports of talks to sell Moise Kean to Paris Saint-Germain.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, PSG are in negotiations with the Toffees over a potential deal to retain Kean’s services beyond his initial one-season loan deal after impressing in the French capital.

The Ligue 1 giants are believed to be discussing a fee of around £31m for the Italy forward, with Everton willing to sell on the provision they make a profit on the £27m paid to Juventus in 2019.

Kean struggled to live up to his price tag during his maiden campaign at Goodison Park, scoring just twice in 33 games across all competitions. The 20-year-old added a further two goals at the start of the current season before departing for Le Parc des Princes.

Thomas Tuchel saw Kean get his career back on track prior to his sacking last month, netting nine times over 16 games in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, while his successor Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be determined to enjoy a similar relationship following his arrival.

Let him leave

If Kean is favouring a permanent switch to PSG after an impressive start to life in the French capital, Everton can afford to strike a deal with Simms ready and waiting in the wings for his chance to prove his worth under Ancelotti in the first-team.

Simms has once again been in scintillating form with the Toffees’ Under 23s this season, netting eight goals in 11 Premier League 2 appearances, but has only featured in one senior matchday squad when named as a substitute in November’s 2-1 loss at Newcastle.

The 20-year-old hitman had appeared to edge closer to contention at the end of the 2019/20 campaign when listed on the bench for the final two matches against Sheffield United and AFC Bournemouth, yet returned to David Unsworth’s ranks this term.

Former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn firmly believes Simms has what it takes to make the grade at Goodison Park should he be given the chance, as the Blues product has all the ingredients of Calvert-Lewin, who has scored 14 goals in 19 games thus far this season.

“Ellis Simms, centre-forward, natural goalscorer, still learning his craft, but he doesn’t snatch at chances,” Martyn told HITC. “As happy scoring in the 90th minute, when you could snatch at it, for one so young – he’s a pretty cool finisher. He has all the attributes, he’s 6 ft 1, he’s got the attributes of a Calvert-Lewin, for instance.”

Ancelotti can test Simms’ credibility as a first-team option soon, too, with a visit of Championship strugglers Rotherham United to come this Saturday in the FA Cup.

AND in other news, Everton are showing a determination to sign a £13.5m titan for free.