Tom Cannon latest with Sunderland in talks following striker's recall from Stoke
SUNDERLAND are doing everything they can to try to force through a deal for Tom Cannon after the striker was recalled from his loan spell at Stoke City.
Cannon’s parent club, Leicester City, have triggered a clause in his loan arrangement at the bet365 Stadium and are now expected to sell the 22-year-old this month.
Sunderland are one of a number of clubs to have held discussions with the Foxes hierarchy over Cannon, who has scored two goals against the Black Cats in Stoke colours this season.
The Black Cats initially proposed a loan deal to the end of the season, with an obligation to complete a permanent transfer in the summer provided they win promotion this term.
The proposed deal was similar to the one that saw Enzo Le Fee move to Wearside from Italian side Roma earlier this month, and it had been suggested that Sunderland were willing to pay an up-front fee of £13m for Cannon in the event of promotion, with further commitments related to potential add-on clauses.
However, Leicester have been pushing for a straight sale now rather than an initial loan with an obligation to buy only in the event of promotion, and that is something Sunderland are understood to be willing to negotiate over.
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However, the Wearsiders are not the only club pushing hard to sign the striker. Sheffield United have also held detailed discussions with the Leicester board, and are also willing to consider either a permanent transfer now or an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy in the event of promotion.
The Blades initially offered a lower fee than the one proposed by Sunderland, but it is understood that subsequent discussions have seen the South Yorkshire club effectively match the Black Cats' offer financially.
Sheffield Wednesday and Luton Town have also been heavily linked with Cannon, who has scored 11 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions for Stoke this season.
His recall is a major blow to the Potters, and was confirmed by a statement on the club’s website which 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.”
