Leicester City's £10m deal confirmed with potential to spark transfer window into life
Leicester City have completed the sale of Tom Cannon to Sheffield United for a fee of around £10m.
The striker was recalled from his loan at Stoke earlier this month in order to seal a permanent exit and build funds for City to spend on improving their squad. That deal is now done, Cannon moving to the promotion-chasing Blades on a four-and-a-half year contract.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will hope that he now gets the signings he needs to aid the club's bid to stay in the Premier League. A centre-back and a winger are the priorities, with a striker also a possibility.
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Cannon joined City from Everton just 18 months ago in a deal rising to £7.5m, with the Toffees due a cut of the profit from his switch to Bramall Lane. At City, Cannon played just 16 senior matches, scoring three goals.
Loaned out to Stoke last summer with Steve Cooper choosing not to keep the Republic of Ireland international in his squad, Cannon scored 11 goals in 25 outings for the Potters. Having proven his quality at Championship level, the second-placed Blades swooped.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder said: “This is a big statement by the owners and shows the ambition of the football club. Bringing in someone of the calibre of Tom at this time will excite the supporters and energise the group.
“He is of a good age to develop but also has the experience of this level, both important factors. I spoke to Tom in the summer, he's aware that I am a big fan of his talents, I'm delighted he is a Blade and part of our longer-term vision.
“This significant signing is a collaboration of the work of the recruitment team, our own eye and the data we have, because Tom is right up there with his stats. He is also the style of centre forward we believe will boost the squad. A number of aspects have come together and the result is we have another very good player as we embark on the second half of the season.”
