Derby County rivals suffer hammer blow after transfer decision confirms worst fears
Derby County's Championship rivals, Stoke City, have suffered a major hammer blow after Leicester City decided to recall Tom Cannon from his loan spell.
The striker has scored 11 goals for Stoke this season and been a major reason why the club has been able to stay out of the relegation zone. But there had been fears that his form would lead to him heading back to the Foxes amid ongoing speculation about Cannon's future.
Leicester have now exercised their right to recall the forward amid claims that he is about to be sold with, Sheffield United strongly linked with the former Everton forward.
READ MORE: Paul Warne in frank Derby County admission after Leyton Orient cup shock
READ MORE: Incoming Derby County transfer needed as frustration evident amid big concern
Derby had shown an interest in Cannon in the summer, but the finances of the deal made it a non-starter. He is now likely to be sold by Leicester, and it is a blow for new Stoke boss Mark Robins, who will try to replace him before the window shuts at the end of the month, even though FFP concerns will limit his room for manoeuvre.
In a statement on the club's website, Stoke said: "Tom Cannon has been recalled from his loan spell at Stoke City by parent club Leicester City. The Republic of Ireland international scored 11 times for the Potters in 25 appearances in all competitions after arriving on the final day of the summer transfer window.
"Tom has our thanks for his commitment to the Stoke City cause during his loan spell with the Club. We wish him well for the future."
Stoke are currently level on points with Derby in the Championship and currently sit four points clear of the relegation zone.