Clubs battle it out for '£13m' Tom Cannon as player makes one final gesture to Stoke City faithful
Tom Cannon has taken time out to send heartbroken Stoke City fans a message after his loan at the bet365 Stadium was cut short by parent club Leicester City.
The Republic of Ireland international bagged 11 goals during his half-season at the club - including a four-goal haul in a 6-1 rout of Portsmouth in October - but he now seems certain to be sold on by the Foxes as a big-money transfer battle emerges for his signature.
Stoke, beset by player spending concerns, were never in a position to buy the player themselves this month, and initially it looked like Cannon was heading for promotion hopefuls Sheffield United in a £7m deal. However, latest media reports suggest Sunderland are preparing to table a sensational £13m offer - and that the Blades are ready to match them.
READ MORE: Stoke City transfer latest as wing-back target ticks all the FFP boxes for Potters
READ MORE: Stoke City make Nathan Lowe decision as rival boss reveals stance on teenage hotshot
Transfer expert Alan Nixon has been on top of developments around Cannon since the January transfer window opened, and in his latest Patreon post claims: “ Leicester are set to accept both offers and allow the player to discuss the move with the two clubs.
"The deal is now full time and not a loan to buy after a remarkable day of haggling. The Blades will offer Cannon a lucrative contract and their salary may be higher than what Sunderland will pay.”
Stoke announced that Cannon had been recalled yesterday, and the Republic of Ireland international later took to social media
He posted on Instagram: “I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Stoke City for my time at the club. I loved playing in front of you fans and I wish the club nothing but the best for the future.”
With Burnley also said to be interested in taking Cannon, Leicester will be delighted at the prospect of making a good return on the £6m they are believed to have paid Everton for the 22-year-old in the summer of 2023.
Although they learned this week they have complied with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules in the latest accounting period, they are in need to cash as Ruud van Nistelrooy looks to reinforce his team in a bid to avoid a quick return to the second tier.
