Leicester City may be looking to sign new players this month, but they have one exciting talent on their books already whose future is unclear.
With Leicester City battling relegation and struggling to stay afloat in the bottom three right now, it’s fair to say their Premier League lives depend on what business the club can do in January.
Leicester’s transfer activity so far has been relatively muted, though it is thought Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first signing is close.
However, the Foxes should look a little closer to home, and it sounds like the Leicester boss is contemplating a recall for one prolific star out on loan.
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Ruud van Nistelrooy offers update on Tom Cannon’s future
In the summer, Leicester made the decision to send Tom Cannon out on loan to Stoke City, with the young striker attracting interest from a number of second tier sides.
It’s safe to say that move has gone well, despite Stoke’s struggles as a whole, with Cannon firing nine league goals this season already.
Many Leicester fans are keen to see Cannon recalled and utilised by van Nistelrooy, while others believe the club should cash in on Cannon and recruit a new striker entirely.
Now, the manager has addressed the rumours that the club will recall Cannon, in his latest press conference (via the Leicester Mercury).
When asked about Cannon, he said: “He’s one on the list for us. We keep a close eye on him. Tom’s situation is closely assessed. There are decisions to be made on that. It’s still a possibility [he stays at Stoke]. But we’re looking at what is best for his situation and what is best for the club.”
Leicester have until Wednesday to make a decision before the break clause in Cannon’s loan agreement expires.
Leicester should send Cannon back to a top Championship side
While the Foxes struggle near the bottom of the table, it would be very tempting to look to someone like Cannon for the goals the team desperately needs.
However, it’s worth remembering Cannon has been doing fairly well for a Championship side, and has no real experience in the Premier League.
With four teams interested in Cannon, including promotion-chasers Sunderland and Sheffield United, Leicester would be better served lending their asset to a team who could realistically offer them a solid return of investment come the summer.
If Leicester can include a purchase obligation clause in any future agreement — triggered if a team gets promotion — the Foxes would be in a win-win situation. Either Cannon helps fire his new team to glory and they gain financially, or, they get him back in the summer having turned out for a top Championship outfit.
Considering where Leicester are in the table right now, there may well be a niggling thought in the back of their mind that having a player like Cannon in their ranks next season could be very useful indeed.