Preston North End 'making move' to sign ex-Everton and Leicester City forward Tom Cannon from Sheffield United
Preston North End have been credited with interest in a Sheffield United forward
Preston North End are reportedly making a move to sign Sheffield United forward Tom Cannon.
A familiar face at Deepdale, the 23-year-old enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Lilywhites in 2023 while on Everton’s books.
He moved to Leicester City later that year, only to find himself playing a bit-part role for the Foxes. After another successful loan stint, this time at Stoke City, Cannon was sold to Sheffield United in January 2025.
Cannon has not been quite as effective in front of goal in the colours of Sheffield United, managing seven goals across 54 appearances.
Preston North End linked with Sheffield United forward
According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, Preston are eyeing a reunion with the Republic of Ireland international.
Sheffield United signed Cannon in a deal reported to be worth up to £10m and it has been claimed they would want their money back.
This could potentially make a deal difficult to do for Preston, although the move is one that would arguably hold an emotional appeal to Cannon.
He would be working under former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom, who has been at the Deepdale helm since August 2024. There was talk of interest from Preston during the last summer transfer window, but a move away from South Yorkshire did not materialise.
Tom Cannon’s Sheffield United struggles
In October last year, regarding Cannon’s struggles at Bramall Lane, Blades boss Chris Wilder said: “He has to take the chances offered to him, whether that’s coming off the bench or starting. We need that competition at the top of the pitch, so he's just got to keep working away and keep believing. We believe in him.
“We're working with him on the training ground and in the analysis room to improve his game. It's arguably the most difficult position on the football pitch.
“He's made it difficult for himself, he understands that. There's some pressure on him but I'm not going to decide a player's future off the back of 20 or 25 games so far. There's always an opportunity but he has to take those opportunities and he understands that.”