Leeds United are not ‘overly optimistic’ about the Elland Road club’s hopes of signing Tom Cannon from Everton against interest from Championship rivals Sunderland AFC.
That is according to Dean Jones, who reports that Leeds are now resigned to missing out on Cannon this summer. Elland Road figures are increasingly sceptical about the chances of the 20-year-old relocating to West Yorkshire. So, Daniel Farke will likely have to shop elsewhere.
Whites boss Farke identified Cannon as a firm target to bolster his attack as Leeds scrap to rebuild their squad. They have seen several star players switch sides this summer after their relegation. Leeds have also started their 2023/24 second-tier term with a draw and a defeat.
Leeds United admit defeat in their pursuit of Tom Cannon’s transfer
Cannon has featured prominently in Farke’s plans during the transfer window as Leeds value his character and talent. Club chiefs believe the Republic of Ireland U20 international striker would suit Farke’s system. They also feel the Everton product would be a dependable figure.
The Aintree native further displayed his potential in the Championship during a loan spell at Preston North End last season. Everton sent Cannon to Deepdale in January for his first spell away from Goodison Park. The attacker ended the term with eight goals in 20 league games.
Everton are open to a deal amid interest from Sunderland and Preston
Cannon also laid on one assist in the Championship during the Everton striker’s loan transfer to Preston North End. While boss Ryan Lowe started the forward in 19 of his 20 appearances at Deepdale. Cannon had only played 32 minutes of senior football for Everton beforehand.
Frank Lampard afforded Cannon his Everton first-team debut away at AFC Bournemouth last November in the EFL Cup. He brought the forward on as a late substitute at Dean Court and again in the Premier League. Cannon made his Goodison bow against Wolves on Boxing Day.
Several Championship teams have now shown interest in signing Cannon with Everton open to another transfer. Alan Nixon noted recently that the Toffees had given Preston North End their go-ahead to target a loan. But Sampdoria were still considering an £8m permanent bid.
Nixon had also already claimed via his Patreon that Everton would take £1m to loan Cannon to Preston. But a permanent deal became more likely with the journalist’s latter update also citing interest from Sunderland and Stoke City in the Aintree-born attacker’s potential move.
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