Sunderland are still chasing Tom Cannon this summer.
That’s according to journalist Alan Nixon, who have claimed the Black Cats are ‘still hovering’ around the Everton striker as he looks to secure a loan move away.
Cannon spent the second half of last season with Preston North End and sent tails wagging when he netted eight goals in 20 matches for the Championship club.
The 20-year-old was previously expected to fill the void of Ellis Simms following his switch to Coventry City, however reports have claimed that the Toffees will now look to send him out on loan for a £1 million fee.
A long list of clubs have been linked with Cannon including Preston, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, however talk of Sunderland’s pursuit had previously gone quiet.
Nixon has now confirmed that they are still monitoring Cannon’s situation, though he has also reported that it is the Lilywhites who remain closest to Everton’s demands.
Sean Dyche’s side is set to make a decision on Cannon’s future today, with Preston still looking the most likely to re-sign the youngster.
Tom Cannon would be the perfect signing for Sunderland – but do they want to pay £1m?
Sunderland’s defeat to Ipswich Town made their need for a new striker even more apparent, with Hemir failing to impress on his competitive debut.
The Black Cats’ delayed pursuit of a proven Championship forward has left them with limited options and Tom Cannon is looking like the best one right now.
The Republic of Ireland youth international claimed a similar record to that of Ellis Simms during his time on Wearside, while the former two years his junior.
Sunderland need to act fast if they are to sign Cannon, however the £1 million loan fee is definitely very off-putting. There is the dilemma of whether the 20-year-old would be worth such a sum to see him return to Merseyside next summer – though perhaps he would be if he got the club promoted.