Ruud van Nistelrooy delivers Tom Cannon transfer update with 'decision to be made'
Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted that Leicester City may recall striker Tom Cannon from his loan at Stoke – but it would only be to send him out to a new club.
Cannon has scored consistently since joining the Potters on a season-long loan switch but City manager van Nistelrooy has said there is a decision to be made over his immediate future. He could be recalled from Stoke and then sent elsewhere, potentially making City some cash.
Sheffield United are leading the chase for Cannon and could offer up a loan-to-buy deal. That may be preferable to City, especially if the proposed fee earns them a significant profit on the Republic of Ireland international.
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“He’s definitely one on the list for us,” van Nistelrooy said at his press conference on Monday. “We keep a close eye on him like we do with all the boys who are on loan.
“Tom’s situation is closely assessed. There are decisions to be made on that. It’s still a possibility (he stays at Stoke). But we’re looking in this window at his situation, what would be best for him and for the club.”
There have been reports that City only have until Wednesday to make a decision on Cannon’s future, otherwise he will remain at Stoke for the season. He’s been the main man up front at the bet365 Stadium this season, scoring 11 goals, including the opener from the penalty spot in their 2-1 extra-time win over Sunderland in the FA Cup on Saturday.
It is very unlikely that City would consider recalling Cannon to keep him in their squad. City already have three strikers at the club, with Jamie Vardy first choice, Patson Daka the deputy, and on-loan forward Odsonne Edouard unable to even get on the bench.
If they do choose to sell, the fee will have to be more than they paid for Cannon 18 months ago. The 22-year-old arrived for £6m rising to £7.5m in a switch from Everton. A stress fracture found in his back during his medical then kept him out until December, and competing with Vardy, Daka, and Kelechi Iheanacho, he made just five starts in all competitions, scoring three goals.
While Sheffield United are the frontrunners for his signature, they're not the only Championship side interested. Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday and Luton have also been linked.