Rangers were once linked with Ellis Simms, however, a move to Coventry City highlights what Michael Beale is up against.
When the 22-year old striker was at Hearts and before joining Sunderland on loan, the former Everton striker was mentioned as a possible option to strengthen the attack.
Rangers interest in Ellis Simms might not have gone very far and his recent transfer to Coventry City explains why.
At a reported £8m, via Fabrizio Romano, Simms was never going to be returning to the SPFL.
A few appearances for Everton due to injury after impressing on loan at the Stadium of Light has seen his price tag rocket, one goal in 280 minutes to be precise.
Why Rangers interest in Ellis Simms was short lived
In recent years, a player with his profile would have been affordable but some of the fees being paid by Championship clubs shows exactly what Rangers are up against.
Rangers were never really bothered by Ellis Simms when he was at Hearts and he looked promising, but he certainly didn’t look like an £8m player.
Take Malik Tillman as an example.
Rangers fans have debated paying £5-6m for a player who we know what he could do for us and is only 20-years old.
Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers have both had their fees questioned too and they have arrived at a combined fee of less than Coventry have just played for Simms, albeit they don’t have the same sell on value.
The more teams from England’s second tier that enjoy a season or two in the Premier League, the higher fees will get due to parachute payments.
English and English developed players are also at a premium given UEFA regulations and post-Brexit legislation.
All this does is make the £1.5m paid for Todd Cantwell look like an even better deal and the need for a successful player trading model even more important.
