Stoke City can seal late Sheffield United transfer on one clear £10m condition | OneFootball

Stoke City are plotting a late move for former loan star Tom Cannon, but Sheffield United's stance makes a deal difficult to pursue

Stoke City are looking for a strong end to the summer transfer window, as Mark Robins plots one or two more additions in the final third; a familiar face to Potters fans could be on the cards.

According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, Stoke are looking to sanction the return of former loan star and current Sheffield United striker Tom Cannon before the 11pm deadline.

However, Nixon reports that a deal hinges on whether the Potters can meet Cannon's £10 million valuation, with the Blades looking to recoup the fee they paid for him some 18 months ago in the event of any sale.

Stoke City are looking to reunite with Sheffield United's Tom Cannon before the deadline but face Blades roadblock

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Stoke have added only George Hirst to their attacking ranks this summer, which, after the confirmation of the signings of Luca Bombino and Jack McGlynn, will mean just one forward has joined the club out of nine new arrivals.

With the deadline fast approaching, head coach Mark Robins is looking to change that, with the Potters exploring a move for former loan star and Irish international Cannon.

Cannon, 23, joined the Blades in January 2025 in a £10 million deal from Leicester City, having scored nine goals and grabbed one assist in 22 Championship games on loan at Stoke during the first half of that campaign.

However, the Irish international has failed to replicate that form in South Yorkshire since his switch, as Nixon reports that Chris Wilder's side are looking to recoup their money in the event of any sale this summer.

Why Stoke City's move for Sheffield United's Tom Cannon looks unlikely

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With Sheffield United not set to budge on their valuation on Cannon, especially at this stage of the window, it all depends on whether Stoke are willing to part ways with in excess of £10 million for the forward.

Having already spent in excess of £20 million this summer on the likes of Hirst, Ethan Galbraith, and Djibril Soumare, that will tick over to some £30 million after the captures of Bombino and McGlynn.

With Sorba Thomas likely to join Hull City before the deadline, the Potters will pocket a healthy amount from that sale, though whether that money will be used on Cannon remains to be seen.

Mark Robins must eye attacking reinforcements at Stoke City before the deadline amid Tom Cannon link

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Attacking reinforcements heading into the summer window ought to have been a priority for the Potters given their lack of creativity and cutting edge in front of goal.

Hirst's addition looks to improve the latter, though should Thomas leave, their lack of creativity will be abundantly evident.

Cannon would not help too much in this regard, and for a reported £10 million fee, it's difficult to see Stoke's attack improving drastically unless further additions are made alongside him.