"I think he’s class" - Sheffield United urged to secure Leicester City signing | OneFootball

The young Foxes forward has been tipped to solve attacking gaps at Bramall Lane for years to come

Sheffield United have been urged to do what they can to bring Leicester City striker Tom Cannon to Bramall Lane.

A report from the Sun confirmed that both the Blades and Stoke City are trying to gather the funds to submit a permanent bid for the forward, with the Foxes looking for a sale.

He had a productive loan spell with Preston North End towards the end of 2022/23 but was reduced to cameo appearances back at his parent club last term.

Our Sheffield United Fan Pundit, Jimmy, has provided us with his thoughts on the potential move.

Cannon a long-term move, Blades fan says

Our Fan Pundit believes that his side should make a move for the 21-year-old if they have the funds available.

Speaking to Football League World, Jimmy said: “Really like Tom Cannon. And yeah, if we’ve got the money to spend, then I think we should definitely be looking to do this one.

“His time at Preston was really impressive, I’ve been a fan of him ever since that time.

“He hasn’t really had much of a chance at Leicester, £7million is a lot of money, but what is he? 21, 22? “He’s a young lad. We’ve spent money already on a striker this season, Kieffer Moore, but he’s now 32 already. So, we’ve got to think about the evolution of this squad and that’s what a lot of this rebuild’s been about; building for the long term.

“So yeah, if Tom Cannon’s available I think he’s class, certainly for Championship level, and he’s someone who can grow with us if we’re to hopefully get promoted, that we all want to do at the end of the season.”

Preston stint shows Cannon has what it takes

As Jimmy says, Cannon would be a top recruit for the club's current level. In his short stint at Preston at the end of the 2022/23 season, he netted eight goals and provided one assist in just 20 Championship appearances.

Recording almost a goal involvement every two games not long after the end of his teenage years, as part of a mid-table side that year, shows how much potential the striker has when given a chance.

The Foxes' relegation looked to have come at an opportune moment for Cannon; a chance for him to earn some first-team minutes at a level he now had some experience at.

That is not quite how it worked out, however, with the young forward being reduced to just 13 league appearances across the entire season, only three of which were from the start.

He still managed two goals and an assist, relatively impressive in the circumstances, but with Leicester's instant promotion back to the Premier League, a move away now looks the best bet for the former Everton man.

As Jimmy identifies, Cannon would be battling the likes of Moore, Rhian Brewster and Tyrese Campbell for starts, so may want some assurances on his playing time, but if the Blades are willing to pay the Foxes' asking price then the likelihood is he would get ample time to prove himself.

Cannon seems to have what it takes to take the reins from Moore when the time is right. The decision will now fall to the hierarchy at Bramall Lane to assess whether the funds are available.