Sunderland ready multi-million cash bid to sign Tom Cannon as Everton exit stance emerges
Sunderland are readying a £3million plus bonuses bid for Everton striker Tom Cannon, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Cannon, who was born on Merseyside, impressed on loan at Preston in the second half of last season, scoring eight goals in 20 Championship appearances.
Nixon’s report states Preston would like to take him back to Deepdale, while newly promoted Premier League outfit Luton Town have an interest.
Everton have already sold Ellis Simms and are willing to allow other players to depart as they aim to raise funds to bring new players to Goodison Park.
Writing on his Patreon account, Nixon revealed: “Sunderland are set to offer £3 million plus bonuses to Everton in the hope they will trade – with Cannon back at Goodison and about to find out his future.
“Everton are in the market to sell players but they had not anticipated a money move for Cannon, the local lad who has made such a big impression.”
Tricky decision
This one really is a head-scratcher from the point of view of Everton.
On the one hand, the Toffees have been walking a tightrope with financial fair play in recent seasons and any chance to raise funds to improve the first team would be welcomed.
That was evidenced by the sale of Simms, a former Sunderland loanee, to Coventry City in a deal that was worth a reported £8million for Everton (Fabrizio Romano, 6 July).
But on the other, Cannon is a player who has a lot of potential and if he impresses during pre-season may even be afforded an opportunity to become part of the first-team picture under Sean Dyche.
So, do you take the cash offer – one that looked unlikely to come – and use the funds to re-invest in players in the hope of avoiding a third relegation scrap in a row? Or do you keep him around and hope he can make the grade – possbily via another loan – at Goodison Park?
It is a very, very tricky decision to make.
In other Everton news, Alan Myers says the Toffees are leading the race to sign veteran Ashley Young.
