Pundit tips Sheffield United to win Tom Cannon battle amid "really strange" Leicester City decision | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has given his verdict on where Tom Cannon should move this January.

Former England international Carlton Palmer believes that Sheffield United would be the best destination for outgoing Leicester City forward Tom Cannon this January.

The 22-year-old striker has been the subject of interest from several of the Championship’s top clubs during the early stages of the January transfer window, and was recalled from his loan spell at Stoke City on Wednesday, with a view to exiting the King Power Stadium on a permanent deal this time.

According to Alan Nixon, both Sheffield United and Sunderland have now tabled offers totalling £13 million, including add-ons. Burnley have also now entered the running for the Republic of Ireland international (according to Sami Mokbel), whilst Everton are also keen on re-uniting with their former academy prospect.

It looks like it could potentially be the striker’s call as to where he plays his football for the foreseeable future though if offers are accepted, which could leave him with a big decision to make.

Carlton Palmer urges Tom Cannon to join Sheffield United this transfer window

With several clubs circling, it looks as though Cannon will have a decision on his hands as to where he sees himself for the next couple of seasons.

Sheffield United have submitted an offer of £10 million, which will rise to £13 million including add-ons, Black Cats initially submitted a loan with an obligation to buy if promoted, which presumably is now dead in the water given the Blades' fully permanent offer

And if he's given the choice on where to head to next, current pundit Carlton Palmer believes Cannon should opt for Sheffield United.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said: “It was mooted that the fee would be around £10 million, but I believe that both Sheffield United and Sunderland would be willing to pay £13 million.

“Cannon scored nine goals in 22 league games for the Championship strugglers Stoke City. Leicester recalled him from that loan and they’re keen to move him on, which I find really strange.

“To move a player on of that ability in the Championship, surely you’d be keeping him for next season because he’s a proven 20-goals a season man in the Championship.

“It has been reported that bids have been made and it’s believed that the bid of £10 million has been surpassed by both Sunderland and Sheffield United. I think Sheffield United have offered £10 million with add-ons.

“I believe Leicester will accept both offers and let Cannon decide where he’s going to go.

“You’ve got Burnley, who are pushing to go up for sure. He (Cannon) wants to get back to the Premier League soon, so you’ve got to make that decision looking at Burnley, at Sunderland and at Sheffield United - they’re all going to be there or there abouts.

“Which would be the better club? I make no bones about it; I’m a big admirer of Chris Wilder and I think Sheffield United will go up.

“With the owner leaving, he (Wilder) has had to work on a shoestring really. If he gets the backing from the board and he was able to bring in somebody like a Tom Cannon, I think that would ensure they go back to the Premier League. But, Sunderland have made a good fist of it and so have Burnley and Leeds.

“I said at the start of the season that Sheffield United and Leeds would be my two to go up, and I’m still going to stick with that. So, on that basis, I think Tom Cannon should go to Sheffield United.”

Tom Cannon should bring crucial goals to Sheffield United if he's snapped up

There is no doubt about it that Cannon would be a superb signing for any of the clubs who are believed to be taking an interest in him.

Only six Championship players have scored more goals than Cannon’s nine this season, and all of those individuals play for clubs currently sat in the top half.

To net nine league goals in the first half of the season, for a team who are struggling badly in front of goal, is certainly an impressive feat.

The Blades have needed a striker for a while now, with Tyrese Campbell out injured and Kieffer Moore perhaps not as effective as Chris Wilder would have wanted him to be.

United were thought to be interested in a deal to bring Oliver McBurnie back to Bramall Lane earlier in the January window from Las Palmas, but in Cannon they are targeting a much more reliable option, and more of a goal threat to boot.

The Leicester man virtually guarantees goals at this level and he could provide the additional firepower that Sheffield United need to help them secure a return to the top-flight, but first they have to fend off the other vultures vying for his services.