Former Preston North End loan star has Sunderland and Sheff Utd 'interest' as loan clause activated
A former Preston North End striker could well be one to watch as the January transfer window approaches its final fortnight.
Two of Preston North End’s Championship rivals are reportedly preparing big-money offers to secure the signing of former Lilywhites striker Tom Cannon.
The Everton academy product joined North End on loan for the second half of the 2022/23 season and went on to score eight goals and provide one assist in 21 appearances during his temporary stint at Deepdale. His performances led to some suggestions Cannon could have returned for a similar spell during the following season and that potential move was backed at the time by North End midfielder Ryan Ledson.
Speaking ahead of a draw with Blackburn Rovers during the final month of the campaign, he said: "Since the second he’s come through the door, he’s worked hard, got his head down, and he’s a nice kid. He’s 20 years of age, has the world at his feet, and all he needs to do is focus on himself and scoring goals because he can go wherever he wants to be. I’m absolutely made up for him. I’d snap your hand off for him back next season! Whether that will happen or not, I don’t know. We can only try, can’t we?”
However, Cannon returned to Everton before making a reported £7m permanent switch to Leicester City later that summer. After playing a part in the Foxes’ successful push for promotion into the Premier League, Cannon returned to the Championship last August when he agreed to a season-long loan switch to Stoke City and he has gone on to scored 11 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions for the Potters.
His form and reported interest from elsewhere has prompted Leicester to activate a break clause in his loan agreement and the twice-capped Republic of Ireland international’s future is now the subject of intense speculation - so what comes next for the former North End loan star?
Blades interest could lead to £7m bid
Sheffield United are firmly in the race for promotion into the Premier League and manager Chris Wilder is said to be keen to add to his attacking options before the January transfer window closes for business early next month. Tuesday brought reports from Football Insider suggesting the Blades were readying a £7m bid for Cannon as Leicester prepared to recall the striker from Stoke and recoup the fee they handed over the Everton to land the frontman almost 18 months ago.
Promotion rivals could revisit interest
The Blades are not the only Championship promotion contenders with a long-term interest in Cannon.
Sunderland were strongly linked with a move for the striker prior to his loan spell at Stoke and the Black Cats have once again been linked with a move for the 22-year-old after he was recalled from the Bet365 Stadium.
Speaking via his Patreon account, The Sun journalist Alan Nixon has claimed Sunderland were preparing a remarkable offer to take Cannon on loan for the rest of the season with a £13m permanent move to be triggered if Regis Le Bris’ side secure promotion back into the Premier League.
The Sheffield Star’s Danny Hall responded to that speculation by adding the Blades will match Sunderland’s offer - although their £13m is split into a £10m upfront fee with a potential £3m to follow in add-ons.
Nixon has also claimed Leicester are willing to accept both offers and will leave Cannon’s next move down to the player himself.