Sunderland left disappointed after Everton recall striker Ellis Simms as Frank Lampard told to stop relying on Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Frank Lampard has recalled Everton striker Ellis Simms from his loan deal with Sunderland.

The 21-year-old had been on a season-long loan at the Stadium of Light, but is no longer available for the Black Cats' trip to Blackpool on New Year's Day after the Toffees decided to cut his stay short.

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Everton's lack of options in attack were laid bare in their defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day, with under-21s starlet Tom Cannon having to feature as the Toffees lost 2-1 at home.

Lampard had revealed to reporters on Friday that he was considering bringing Simms back, weighing up whether it was best to allow the youngster to continue developing in the Championship.

Now, it's been confirmed the striker - who has scored seven goals this season - will return to his parent club and will be available as of January 1, meaning he'll be able to play for Everton against Brighton.

Ellis had started for Sunderland just two days ago, scoring in the 4-1 win over Wigan which saw them rise to fourth in their table as they continued their impressive run in their first season back in the Championship.

But now Tony Mowbray's side look set to rely on striker Ross Stewart - who is easing his way back from a thigh injury - for the foreseeable future.

And Sunderland's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, expressed that the club were sad to see Ellis go.

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"Ellis' return to Merseyside is a real disappointment for us due to the shared progress that he and the club have made this season," he said.

"Unfortunately this is the nature of loans when they are successful, but it is a testament to Tony and the wider staff - and of course to Ellis - that Everton feel he is ready to continue his immediate development in a Premier League environment.

"We wish Ellis the very best and thank him for the part his has played in our continual progression as a football club."

Everton have scored just 12 goals in the opening 16 games of the season, and Manchester United's Anthony Elanga is one star believed to be on Lampard's transfer wish list.

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However it's understood no moves are imminent.

And just before Simms was officially recalled, ex-Everton centre-back Alan Stubbs told talkSPORT Everton need to stop relying on striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin - who will be back from injury for Saturday's game against Manchester City - and bring in someone to help Neal Maupay.

"I just think [Neal] Maupay needs someone alongside him, it's a difficult role for him to play by himself," the former Toffees man said on Saturday.

"He wants to come towards the ball all the time, where Everton need someone to stretch defences and run in behind him.

"He's not that type of player. Calvert-Lewin, I don't know where to start.

"Being honest, it must have been tough for him because he's had a number of injuries, but you can't mould a team around someone who's never on the pitch."