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FLW's Stoke City fan pundit names Sheffield United forward Tom Cannon as their dream signing this summer

It has been a quiet month or so for Stoke City in the summer transfer window, as with just over three weeks remaining until the September 1st deadline, head coach Mark Robins will be hoping to add the missing pieces to his Potters jigsaw puzzle.

Stoke began the summer in rapid fashion, confirming the additions of Joshua Griffiths from West Bromwich Albion to act as a backup option to Viktor Johansson between the sticks, and was closely followed by former Sheffield United midfielder Djibril Soumare.

Adding strength and depth into the middle of the park alongside Soumare are both Svante Ingelsson and Ethan Galbraith, arriving from Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City respectively, as Scottish defender Luke Graham has completed their summer business for now.

Moves for Ipswich Town's Harry Clarke and George Hirst have emerged lately, with the Potters reportedly agreeing a fee worth a potential £3.5 million for the English right back, and are believed to be preparing an offer worth around £10 million for the Scottish striker.

However, one name is on the tip of the majority of Stoke fans' tongues more than most.

Stoke City's fan pundit has backed the Potters to sign Tom Cannon from Sheffield United this summer

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Football League World's Stoke fan pundit, Ryan Beresford, has shared his thoughts on a player that hasn't been linked with the club, who he would like the Potters to sign this summer.

Ryan said: "I would absolutely love to sign Tom Cannon. He did it with us.

"He's obviously not having a great time at Sheffield United. He seems to be coming off the bench a lot. He has had a few starts. We haven't been linked with him, but it's a name that everyone's shouting about.

"He's a prolific goalscorer, and I think he could do it in this squad that we do have now, because he did it in a very much poorer squad than we have now.

"He definitely can score goals, and I would take him back in a heartbeat."

Stoke City supporters know Tom Cannon well

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Cannon, 23, is a player that Stoke fans know well from his time on loan with the club during the first half of the 2024/25 season.

The Irish striker joined on loan from Leicester City and made 22 Championship appearances for the Potters, scoring nine and assisting once, with crucial goals against the likes of Derby County, Blackburn Rovers, and Sunderland.

A four-goal haul in Stoke's 6-1 demolition of Portsmouth is the memory that likely sticks out most, as Cannon endeared himself to Potters supporters. Unfortunately for them, it wouldn't last, as Sheffield United tempted Leicester into a £10 million deal for the Irishman in January 2025.

Since joining the Blades, Cannon has failed to come close to the heights he hit during his time in North Staffordshire, with a mere seven goals and three assists in 53 league appearances at Bramall Lane.

However, under contract until the summer of 2029, it's unlikely that Chris Wilder's side will be willing to part ways with the Irishman just yet, even despite his poor form, and he is seemingly not quite fancied by the 58-year-old.

Though, with Stoke reportedly preparing to offer around £10 million for Ipswich's Hirst, a fee in that sort of region, or likely cheaper, should be enough to get Cannon instead, as a majority of Potters supporters would likely prefer the return of the Irishman instead.

Mark Robins should consider sanctioning the return of Tom Cannon at Stoke City this summer as a George Hirst alternative

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Despite having each of Sam Gallagher, Robert Bozenik, and Milan Smit in their ranks, the latter two of whom were signed under the watch of Robins in the last 12 months, Stoke are seemingly looking to add another option up top for next season.

Sarpsborg's Daniel Karlsbakk had emerged as a potential option following their interest in the Norwegian, but attention appears to have since switched to Hirst.

Whether the Scot would be keen to make the move to the bet365 Stadium, however, remains to be seen, as Cannon would be more likely to accept the switch.

Having shone for the Potters previously, few Stoke fans would be against his return, as Robins should look to give the supporters what they want.