Two more Championship clubs have joined Ipswich Town in trying to sign Everton striker Ellis Simms, according to reports.

The 22-year-old is understood to be a player of significant interest to Blues boss Kieran McKenna, with The Sun reporting last week that the Blues had tabled a £3.5m bid.

Sunderland - the club where Simms spent the first half of last season on loan - and Stoke City have also been said to be keen on landing the former England youth international.

Now, according to the Liverpool Echo, Blackburn Rovers - looking for a replacement for Villarreal bound Ben Brereton Diaz - have joined the chase.

The reports adds that 'senior figures at Sunderland have concerns that their club could end up being priced out of a move'.

Meanwhile, Teamtalk reports that Middlesbrough, wary of losing topscorer Cuba Akpom this summer, have also shown an interest in Simms.

Meanwhile, GloucesterLiver reporter Jon Palmer has reported that Ipswich are showing 'strong interest' in Reading goalkeeper Luke Southwood.

The 25-year-old played 51 games on loan for League One club Cheltenham last season and is soon to be a free agent.