Pundit identifies Sunderland AFC “issue” for Tom Cannon as Sheffield United eye £13m raid
Carlton Palmer has claimed that Sheffield United should be Tom Cannon’s priority this January amid competition from Burnley and Sunderland.
According to Alan Nixon, the Black Cats made a bid worth £13 million for the Leicester City forward following his return to the Premier League club.
However, it has also been claimed that Sheffield United are willing to meet that figure, making a bid worth £10 million, rising to £13 million.
Burnley and Everton have also been mentioned as potential destinations, with Cannon previously playing for the Toffees before moving to Leicester.
Palmer makes Tom Cannon transfer claim
Palmer believes that £13 million would not be an overpay for Cannon as he can guarantee 10 to 12 goals in this second half of the campaign.
He has claimed that the signing of the forward could be crucial in determining who gains promotion to the Premier League this year.
“Sunderland have launched a £13 million bid for Tom Cannon,” Palmer told Football League World.
“They want to get promotion, he’s going to guarantee them goals.
“Whoever gets Tom Cannon for the second half of the season, you’re guaranteed between 10 or 12 goals.
“That is for sure.
“So whoever gets him will be in the reckoning to get promotion.
“I don’t think it’s over the top, he moved from Everton to Leicester for £7 million, I think it’s a reasonable fee for Tom Cannon.”
Palmer makes Sheffield United claim in Tom Cannon chase
Palmer believes that Sheffield United should be his priority at this stage due to Sunderland’s recruitment model.
“Would he choose Sunderland over Burnley or Sheffield United? I’m not sure,” he added.
“Sunderland are a massive club, massive fanbase, great place, great supporters, but I think the issue I would have, as a player going to Sunderland, is what they do.
“They get young players in, they develop the young players and then they move them on for big money.
“I’d be looking at a club where I’m going to get promoted and got a chance of staying in the Premier League.
“So that’s why I’m looking at Sheffield United and Burnley, and why I’m favouring Sheffield United first.”
Cannon splurge is a risky play for Sunderland
Sheffield United and Burnley have the backdrop of recent Premier League history on their side financially, so should be in a better position than Sunderland to risk this £13 million deal.
But the Black Cats are really going all out in their bid for a top two spot by pursuing this deal for the Ireland U21 international.
He scored nine times in 22 games for Stoke, so he’s shown he can score at this level on a regular basis.
But it is still very surprising that they’d be willing to spend so much on someone whose performances haven’t stood out quite that much from his time with the Potters, with five of his nine goals coming in one game.
