“Probably not worth pursuing” – Millwall eyeing transfer agreement for Everton player: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Championship outfit Millwall are weighing up a loan move for Everton youngster Tom Cannon, according to yesterday’s Patreon report from Alan Nixon.

The 19-year-old has already scored two goals in his opening two Premier League 2 games of the season, shining in the Toffees’ youth system once more after recording eight goals in 23 appearances in the same division last term.

He has been a consistent goalscorer for Frank Lampard’s side in different age groups during his time at Goodison Park – and his progress certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed.

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Despite Nathan Broadhead and Ellis Simms already joining Wigan Athletic and Sunderland on loan, the Merseyside outfit may be prepared to let the teenager exit temporary as well.

but with their superior position in the football pyramid, Gary Rowett’s side will fancy their chances of winning the race for his signature.

But would this be a good move from the Lions’ point of view? We asked three of our Football League World writers for their views.

Declan Harte

Millwall do have their injury concerns at the moment, but once everyone is back to full fitness it is difficult to see Cannon getting into the side on a consistent basis.

The Irish youth international is certainly a promising striker, but a Championship move could come too soon for the 19-year-old.

Given Derby County’s interest, that could prove to be a more worthwhile option at this point in his career.

Prioritising game time should be Everton’s main concern, and there may be more opportunities at Pride Park this season.

If Millwall didn’t have such strong options going forward then this move might make more sense, but for now it’s probably not worth pursuing for Cannon with offers likely to come from elsewhere.

Billy Mulley

I am not a big fan of loan moves where it is debatable whether or not they would see a suitable amount of game time, and for me, I cannot see Tom Cannon playing too many minutes for Millwall, if this deal was to come to fruition.

Proving to be a consistent scorer of goals for Everton’s u23s in Premier League 2, the future is certainly bright for the 19-year-old, however, I’m not under the impression that he will be a regular starter.

Ellis Simms and Nathan Broadhead are ahead of Cannon in their respective progressions and the pair are only adventuring into the Championship for the first time now.

Of course, Millwall are likely to have done the appropriate scouting work and their publicised interest could mean that they can see him playing a significant role, but for me, a League One loan move should come first, somewhere where game time is more likely.

Adam Jones

The Jed Wallace factor comes into play here.

Following his departure, the Lions will want all the attacking options they can get at this stage and Cannon could be a low-risk signing that ends up paying off for the Lions.

Untested at a senior level, it remains to be seen how he would adapt to the second tier but with the likes of Benik Afobe and Andreas Voglsammer available as alternative options, there won’t be as much pressure for him to adapt quickly.

That could be important in his quest to thrive – because he could benefit from being eased into life in the second tier gently before potentially becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet.

With George Honeyman, Zian Flemming, Afobe, Voglsammer and others at their disposal in the final third, they are building a team that’s capable of challenging for the top six once more and a proven goalscorer like Cannon can only help their cause if he can step up to a senior level.

At this stage, a loan deal is wise considering they have written cheques for the likes of Honeyman and Flemming this summer, breaking their transfer record for the latter.

From the player’s point of view though, he may find it easier to win more minutes if he takes another step down into League One.