Leicester City striker Tom Cannon is the latest player to be targeted by Sheffield United as part of their rebuild. However, the Blades face competition from West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City for the young striker.
Cannon began his career at in Everton’s academy, where he would rapidly progress through the ranks with over 50 goals at all ages. His good form at the youth level would lead to a loan move to Preston North End during the second half of the 2022/23 season. He would find the net eight times with one assist, which was an impressive tally considering his lack of experience.
A move away from Goodison Park would then be finalised on transfer deadline day in August as Cannon joined Enzo Maresca at Leicester City. This season saw Maresca’s side win the Championship with 97 points. Cannon would feature 16 times in all competitions, with just 600 minutes altogether.
The 21-year-old would score three goals complemented by two assists in all competitions as he lacked minutes throughout. The forward would suffer a back injury early in the season, leaving him out for over a month but once he came back, he failed to solidify a place in the starting eleven. A contributing factor to this was the many options Maresca had at his disposal, with players like Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho already in the squad.
His career so far clearly suggests that the youngster is talented and has managed to prove useful in the second tier of English Football. His pace and ability to get in behind defenders make him a handful at all times as he utilises this skill constantly.
Tom Cannon's @EmiratesFACup strike at Millwall ⚽ pic.twitter.com/sXnL61PFeD
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 26, 2024
Amid Leicester’s returning to the Premier League, question marks over Cannon’s future have arisen with talks of Andre Ayew making a move to the King Power Stadium. This would leave the Republic of Ireland international’s game-time depleted, leading to a loan move becoming a likely option.
Furthermore, journalist Alan Nixon has reported that the forward would be in a three-club race if Steve Cooper gave the green light and looked for different options. The clubs interested are Sheffield United, Stoke and West Brom as they are all looking for a consistent goalscorer this season.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is said to be keen on Cannon after losing Oli McBurnie but he will face fierce competition to capture his signature. On the other hand, Stoke are also in the race and Nixon did outline that they may even get closest to the deal if they can offer to pay a larger chunk of his wages.
The Potters are also interested in Blackburn Rovers‘ target man Sam Gallagher. Therefore, their plan could be to play a duo upfront and have the two different playstyles combine or allow Cannon to learn from the more experienced centre-forward.
A key part in determining his future is play time. It is clear the striker will lack minutes for the Foxes, which has led to a loan becoming likely. All clubs interested will have to assure the parent club and the player of play-time as it is crucial to gain experience at this age.
Writer’s View
Sheffield United have already sold four strikers before the season has begun, therefore, leaving a spot for a new figure. Most notably, Cameron Archer was sold to Aston Villa, for a fee of £14 million which has left money to buy new options before the season commences in less than two weeks. However, the Blades have already purchased Kieffer Moore, who is coming off the back of an impressive season at Ipswich Town. Therefore, Leicester City may see a loan elsewhere as more useful in terms of game time.
Overall, a loan move is the right option for Cannon ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. He will have an opportunity to prove his talents at the frontline of an ambitious Championship side like West Brom or Sheffield United.
