Doncaster Rovers yet to give up hope of securing return for Josh Sims

The winger continues to recover from a hamstring injury which has kept him out of action since mid-December and has scuppered the final few weeks of his half-season loan at the Keepmoat.

Moore is monitoring Sims’ recovery, which is set to continue through much of this month.

And he says as Sims nears his return to fitness, conversations will turn to his future beyond January.

“We’re in contact with Southampton,” Moore told the Free Press.

“He is nursing his hamstring at the moment, which is the right thing to do.

“That is going to be at least another couple of weeks before we pick that back up.

“Ultimately, he’s got to get fit and both clubs can then have a chat and see where we go with that one.

“But at the moment with the prognosis he’s got, he’s a good few weeks away.

“Even though we’re staying in touch with them, we’ll pick up that conversation on a football front in a few weeks’ time.”

Rovers had hoped to extend the 24-year-old’s stay but his superb performances across 14 matches attracted the attention of several Championship clubs.

Sims is out of contract at St Mary’s this summer and Southampton are understood to be keen on cashing-in on the winger while they have the opportunity.

But Rovers are yet to give up hope on securing a return for a player that impressed greatly during his short time at the Keepmoat.

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