Everton striker eyed by Sunderland, Preston as Sean Dyche identifies Serie A left-back target | OneFootball

Ryan Ledson, Tom Cannon and Alan Browne of Preston North End, 2023

Sunderland have reportedly made enquiries into signing young Everton striker Tom Cannon as the Toffees look to fund their own transfer business.

Sean Dyche has a number of players on his radar but due to Everton’s ongoing financial issues, he looks set to sell several players this summer.

The Merseyside club have already parted ways with Ellis Simms, Ishe Samuel-Smith, Niels Nkounkou, Yerry Mina, Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Tom Davies. Now Cannon is the latest star to be linked with a departure.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with Preston North End, where he scored eight goals in 21 appearances.

As a result, Cannon has caught the attention of several Championship clubs. For example, Preston are keen on re-signing the striker.

According to a report from the Liverpool Echo, Sunderland have been pushing to sign him this summer as an alternative to Simms.

Simms spent the first half of last season on loan with the Black Cats, where he scored seven times in 14 starts, but it was ultimately Coventry City who won the race for his signature.

The report states that Sunderland have switched their attention to Cannon, but the youngster is highly regarded at Everton and won’t be a cheap acquisition.

Cannon has been included as part of the Toffees’ 28-man squad that has travelled to Switzerland for pre-season so there is a good chance he could be involved with the first team next term.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see the Echo add that Sunderland have been ‘priced out’ of a move for Cannon, although Preston have met with the Everton hierarchy to discuss signing the forward either permanently or on loan again.

That decision will likely be down to Dyche, who will evaluate his options regarding Cannon after taking a look at him over the next few weeks.

As mentioned, however, Everton are open to selling players for the right price as they look to make their own summer signings.

One name that has appeared on the Toffees’ radar is AC Milan left-back Fode Ballo-Toure.

Dyche is keen to add a left-back to his squad this summer. Vitalii Mykolenko is currently side-lined with an injury and Everton currently have no back-up options in their squad.

Ballo-Toure is keen to play consistent minutes next season and several European clubs have registered an interest in signing him.

Indeed, Everton, Fulham, Werder Bremen and Bologna are all named as potential suitors according to a report by Foot Mercato.

Last season, Ballo-Toure made only 10 Serie A appearances for AC Milan, scoring one goal.

With a departure from the San Siro looking likely, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Senegal international make the switch to Goodison Park.