The future of Tom Cannon at Leicester City is hanging in the balance this month amid links to Sunderland.
Leicester City signed Tom Cannon from Everton in August 2023 but he had a slow start to life at the King Power Stadium.
The 22-year-old made 13 Championship appearances for the Foxes in 2023/24, scoring two goals.
In turn, it came as little surprise when Leicester opted to loan the striker out for the current campaign.
Cannon linked up with Stoke City for the season and has enjoyed an excellent spell with the Potters.
In 22 league games, he’s found the back of the net nine times and provided one assist for a midtable Stoke.
Now, however, it has been confirmed by the club on January 15th that Leicester have recalled Cannon.
The reaction to the centre-forward’s return has been very mixed depending on the team you support.
Leicester fans sent a clear Cannon message to Ruud van Nistelrooy following the news.
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Leicester City have replacement for Tom Cannon ready to step up
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Sunderland want to sign the Leicester striker in a deal that would see him initially signed on loan before a £13m fee is paid if the Black Cats win promotion.
The Foxes need to sell to buy in January, meaning that type of transfer doesn’t really work right now.
But if a deal for Cannon is completed this month, Van Nistelrooy already has the perfect replacement waiting in the wings.
The player in question is Jake Evans, who is currently excelling at youth level with the club’s academy.
Evans has no senior experience at present, but as Jamie Vardy is expected to remain as Van Nistelrooy’s starting nine and the Foxes have limited money to spend in January, it makes sense that they would promote an academy player to fill their striker ranks in the second half of 2024/25.
Jake Evans Leicester City stats
Evans shone at U18 level, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in all competitions.
The 17-year-old is now plying his trade with Leicester’s U21s and continues to impress.
He has scored eight goals in 15 appearances so far this term, including four in eight Premier League 2 games.
Evans is a very versatile forward who can be used as a centre-forward or on either flank.