League One side Doncaster Rovers are said to be ‘monitoring’ the situation regarding Southampton winger Josh Sims, according to a report from Doncaster Free Press.
Sims has spent the first half of the season on loan at the Keepmoat Stadium but there remains uncertainty over his future as Championship side QPR consider making a permanent move for the 23-year-old.
The Yeovil-born wide man, who is capable of playing on either wing, came through the ranks at St Mary’s but has spent the majority of his senior career away on loan, including a spell at New York Red Bulls in 2019.
With 23 first team appearances for the Saints between his debut in 2016 and his last Premier League outing in 2019, there had previously been optimism that Sims would become a regular on the south coast.
However, as the club has developed and signed high-quality players under Ralph Hasenhuttl, Sims has seen his route to the first team blocked.
During his time with Doncaster, the former England under-20 international made 14 appearances in all competitions, with three goals and seven assists to his name.
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It’s always difficult to comprehend how a player who comes through the academy system and shows such promise in his fledging appearances can suddenly be deemed not part of a club’s plans.
Repeatedly being shipped out on loan at 23 isn’t beneficial to Sims, who is unable to settle with any certainty, not knowing where he will be in a few months’ time.
Signings in the mould of Moussa Djenepo and Stuart Armstrong have undoubtedly put pay to Sims’ chances at St Mary’s, and at this stage, a permanent move would be the ideal scenario for all parties.
