Simms scored 10 times in a six-month loan at Blackpool last season, helping them win promotion to the Championship.

"I'm really happy to get a player of Ellis' quality on board," said Neilson.

"He's got a great pedigree and all the attributes to be a success up here."

Simmons, who came through the academies of Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City before a move to Everton two years ago, made his first-team debut for the Merseyside club in last month's Premier League draw with Chelsea.

"It's always been about quality over quantity for us and we've got real quality in Ellis," said Hearts sporting director Joe Savage.

"He's someone we've been tracking for a long time and although it looked like he may have gone to the English Championship we've managed to attract him up here, which speaks volumes about this club."