"Would be a good signing" - Pundit reacts to Stoke City, Tom Cannon update | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has told FLW his verdict on Stoke City's pursuit of Tom Cannon

Carlton Palmer believes that a move to Stoke City could be a smart next step for Leicester City striker Tom Cannon.

According to Alan Nixon, the Potters will have to wait on any decision over the forward’s future due to the Foxes’ current injury issues.

Cannon is currently the only available option to lead the line for Steve Cooper’s side due to injuries to Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka.

However, Stoke are reportedly willing to pay almost all of the youngster’s wages as part of any loan agreement in their bid to win the race to his signature.

The Championship side have until 30 August to finalise any remaining deals before the market shuts for the rest of the calendar year.

Carlton Palmer makes Tom Cannon transfer claim

Palmer believes that Cannon could benefit from working under Steven Schumacher, highlighting the work he did improving Morgan Whittaker at Plymouth Argyle.

However, he has claimed that Stoke are stuck in a waiting game due to Leicester’s own search for an additional forward, so talks over this move could drag on until the end of the window.

“Stoke City have had two games, won one and lost one, got a drubbing on Saturday against Watford, 3-0 away from home,” Palmer told Football League World.

“And Stoke City and Schumacher are determined to bring a striker in before the end of the transfer window.

“Obviously they lost Tyrese Campbell, who signed for Sheffield United, and so they’ve turned their attention to Tom Cannon and Jay Stansfield.

“Jay Stansfield is a man in demand, Birmingham have had two offers turned down for him, Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing him, and now Stoke are interested to sign him.

“And it’s not surprising with his performances last season for Birmingham, although they were relegated.

“But Silva has come out and said he’s not for sale, and he’s going to keep him in his squad for the remainder of this season.

“So Stoke have now turned their attention to Tom Cannon.

“Leicester are not opposed to allowing Tom Cannon to go out on loan, but, at this moment in time, their pursuit of a striker Steve Cooper is trying to bring in a striker, and any move for Tom Cannon will depend on whether Leicester bring in a striker.

“They only have one fit centre-forward at this time, so it’s just a waiting game, it’s just a waiting game to see if Leicester can bring in a striker before the deadline.

“And then we’ll see a scramble for Tom Cannon for him to go out on loan.

“We’ve seen how young players have flourished under Schumacher, Whittaker one of those at Plymouth, we’ve seen that.

“So, Tom Cannon would be one of those players who would be a good signing and a good addition to the squad, but he’s a man in-demand.

“But I suppose Stoke have said they’re prepared to pay the majority, if not all, of Tom Cannon’s salary.

“So, we’ll have to wait and watch this space, but it’s all dependent on Leicester City and Steve Cooper bringing in another striker.”

Tom Cannon’s Championship experience

Cannon joined Leicester last summer from Everton, but made only 13 appearances in Enzo Maresca’s side as they finished top of the Championship table (all stats from Fbref).

He scored twice in those 13 games, taking his total tally in the second division to 10.

Cannon also spent half a campaign on loan with Preston North End in 2022/23, scoring eight from 20 appearances in the league.

The 21-year-old will be hoping to earn consistent minutes this year, having suffered a number of injury issues over the last 12 months.

Cannon would be a good signing for Stoke

Cannon didn’t quite show his best form last year, struggling for fitness and game time.

However, if he can get back to his form from his loan spell at Preston then he could prove a really strong signing for Schumacher’s side.

Stoke have added Sam Gallagher to their squad this summer already, and have other options to choose from in Ryan Mmaee, Niall Ennis and Emre Tezgel.