It promises to be an exciting transfer January transfer window for Leicester City who are looking to strengthen their squad to mount a survival challenge.
The start of the window has been a slow burner for Ruud van Nistelrooy, but Leicester have signings in the pipeline.
One of those is right-back Woyo Coulibaly, who is close to signing for Leicester in a £3m transfer from Serie A side Parma.
Coulibaly’s expected arrival at the King Power Stadium could get the ball rolling for the Foxes, with van Nistelrooy set to address problems at centre-back, winger and striker.
However, whilst filling those positions is a priority for the Dutchman, he also has another situation to resolve and it involves one of his current Leicester players.
Leicester City must keep Tom Cannon despite Sunderland and Sheffield United interest
News broke on Wednesday morning that Leicester had recalled Tom Cannon from his loan spell at Stoke City where he became a huge hit.
The 22-year-old fired 11 goals in just 25 appearances this term while becoming one of the most prolific strikers in the second tier.
Leicester fans want the club to keep Cannon beyond the transfer window, urging van Nistelrooy to give him first-team minutes in the Premier League.
However, the Republic of Ireland international is involved in a transfer tug of war, with Sunderland weighing up a £13m bid for Cannon while Sheffield United are also keen on landing the centre-forward.
One of Sunderland or the Blades signing the prolific star could be the difference between finishing in the play-offs or the automatic promotion places.
Van Nistelrooy will therefore be tempted to cash in on Cannon and use the extra funds to sign one or two of his key targets.
That being said, the former Manchester United striker must be wary of the consequences that come with selling him and instead, consider keeping him at the King Power.
Cannon deserves chance to shine at Leicester City
Since Leicester signed Cannon for £7 million from Everton in the summer of 2023, the young striker hasn’t had a true shot of leading the line.
Last season, Enzo Maresca preferred Jamie Vardy in his one-striker formation and the Aintree-born centre forward had to challenge Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka for a place in the lineup.
He only started three times in the Championship last term as Leicester clinched the title, and that wasn’t enough time to showcase his goal-scoring talents.
There’s a reason Leicester fans urged the club to recall Cannon earlier in the season, seeing him unearth his potential at the Potters.
Now, with Vardy’s contract expiring this year and the Englishman recently turning 38, there is scope for someone to become a long-term heir to his throne, with the ‘outstanding’ Cannon perhaps deserving of an audition under van Nistelrooy.
Further, should they get relegated to the second tier, he’d be the perfect striker to fire them back into the top flight.