"Worrying"- Pundit reacts to Stoke City, Tom Cannon transfer update | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer believes Stoke City should be concerned by Leicester City's option to recall Tom Cannon amid transfer interest from Sheffield United

Stoke City are currently enjoying the services of striker Tom Cannon, who is currently on loan at the Potters from Premier League side Leicester City.

His eye for goal was particularly evident when he scored four during the Potters' recent 6-1 victory over newly promoted Portsmouth, who are yet to win a league game since making their Championship return.

However, a recent report from Alan Nixon revealed that the West Midlands outfit may not retain Cannon for the full duration of his season-long loan, as the Foxes could look to recall their man in January, in order to make him available on a permanent transfer.

Nixon's report said that the Foxes are hoping to raise £10m through the sale of the Ireland international, while Championship sides Sheffield United and West Brom, who are both competing for promotion to the Premier League, are keen on his services.

Pundit makes Stoke, Cannon admission

Pundit Carlton Palmer exclusively told Football League World: "Worrying news for Stoke City.

"In-form, on loan striker Tom Cannon, who has scored four goals in five matches, has a recall clause in his contract from the Premier League outfit (which can be activated) in January.

"It is worrying (for Stoke) because it's come out that the Foxes are keen to cash in on the Irish forward.

"It is worrying news for Stoke City.

"Leicester City were interested in offloading Tom in the summer, they were asking for £10m, and nobody was prepared to meet their asking price.

"But his outstanding form now has got the likes of Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, all of those, looking at the situation, and so, obviously, it's a problem for Stoke City.

"He's gone to Stoke City on loan, so obviously they're in the forefront to sign the 21-year-old, should they be able to come up with the cash.

"Whether the £10m asking price becomes a bit lower, or whether that becomes a case that he's doing it in the Championship, and clubs are looking at him and saying 'boom'.

"If clubs like Sheffield United get a new investor in the football club, Chris Wilder will be looking at a striker that can score him goals, and get them, from Christmas onwards, promoted to the Premier League.

"But it is a worry for Stoke City, but they (Leicester) are going to want a return on the money.

"The Foxes paid £7m for the youngster's service, and he was put on a five-year deal, where he earns really, really good money.

"It is very, very difficult (for Stoke), obviously Leicester City are trying to balance the books in the Premier League, and obviously they don't see Tom at this moment in time as somebody who's going to come into the first team and score goals, so they're looking to move him on.

"He's going to be in big, big demand if he keeps on scoring the goals that he's doing at the moment, so Stoke City need to be in the conversation now with Leicester City, either to secure his services to the end of the season, with a view to a permanent deal, or they run the risk of losing Tom Cannon.

"And, obviously, if the likes of West Bromwich Albion, or Sheffield United, who are at the top of the league, who are looking to get promoted back to the Premier League, of course you're going to want to go to those clubs to be in the Premier League next season.

Stoke could lose Cannon in January

As alluded to by Palmer, the Potters should be worried by the prospect of losing Cannon this January, and may find it difficult to compete with interest from the likes of the Blades and West Brom, should the Foxes recall their man and put him up for sale.

The Everton academy product has scored four of the Potters' 10 Championship goals so far this season, which demonstrates his importance to them.

However, if either the Baggies or the Blades make their move once the transfer market re-opens, he could be keen to join a side who could soon be plying their trade in the Premier League, whereas Stoke appear more unlikely to be able to offer top-flight football next term.