Tom Cannon has been at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war this window as the Leicester City forward’s future hangs in the balance.
Cannon has been on fire whilst out on loan at Stoke City and is their top scorer with 11 in all competitions.
His form has seen Cannon become of interest to at least four clubs and the 22-year-old could provide a much-needed cash injection into the Foxes’ accounts following the latest PSR verdict.
Sheffield United appeared to be the frontrunners after reports claimed they would prepared to pay a £7m fee to sign the Republic of Ireland international.
But now a new side has entered the race and has elevated things to the next level.
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Sunderland transfer news: Black Cats preparing to table huge Tom Cannon bid
Just as it appeared that Sheffield United, who also want Hamza Choudhury, were leading the race, in came Sunderland.
In his latest Patreon post, Alan Nixon claimed that the Black Cats are prepared to table a sensational £13m offer, plus extras, in a loan to buy bid this summer.
If it were to be accepted, it would be a great profit on the £7.5m the Foxes paid to sign him from Everton in 2023.
Nixon has suggested that Cannon could be open to the move and is waiting on Leicester to accept an offer.
One stumbling block they may face however is that some outlets have claimed that the deadline has passed for Leicester to recall the forward from his loan at Stoke, which may mean he has to see out the rest of the season in Staffordshire regardless.
Stoke appear to be preparing for the worst already though and recently recalled young striker Nathan Lowe from his loan spell at League Two high-flyers Walsall.
Ruud van Nistelrooy addresses Tom Cannon’s future
The future of Leicester’s latest star out on loan is one that has caused debate amongst the fanbase.
Some fans think the Foxes should cash in on Cannon and capitalise on his form and interest to get a healthy fee.
Others however believe that the 22-year-old could still offer something yet and Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted in his press conference on Monday that they are keeping an eye on him.
“He’s definitely one on the list for us,” said the Leicester boss.
“We keep a close eye on him like we do with all the boys who are on loan.
“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 in this window at his situation, what would be best for him and for the club.”