Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals Stoke City, Tom Cannon "possibility" for Leicester City | OneFootball

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed Tom Cannon could be staying with Stoke City

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed that there is a 'possibility' that Foxes striker Tom Cannon will stay on loan at Stoke City for the remainder of the campaign.

Last summer, the Potters signed the 22-year-old on a season-long loan deal, but during the January transfer window, the talented forward has been the subject of plenty of news.

According to Alan Nixon, automatic promotion rivals Sheffield United and Sunderland are both keen on signing the Foxes man on a potential loan-to-buy deal.

Nixon's report also revealed that there is a break clause in Cannon's current Potters contract, which expires this Wednesday, so interested parties, as well as parent club Leicester will have to act swiftly.

van Nistelrooy reveals Cannon possibility

As per the Leicester Mercury's live blog at 13:54 on Monday afternoon, the Foxes boss was asked about Cannon's future in a press conference and said: "He’s one on the list for us.

"We keep a close eye on him.

"Tom’s situation is closely assessed.

"There are decisions to be made on that.

"It’s still a possibility (he stays at Stoke).

"But we’re looking at what is best for his situation and what is best for the club."

Stoke would be delighted to retain Cannon

While the striker's services are being eyed by the likes of Sheffield United and Sunderland, who both boast Premier League aspirations, the Potters would simply love to keep hold of Cannon for the remainder of the season.

Meanwhile, the Blades and the Black Cats are not alone in their transfer pursuit of the Ireland international, as Nixon revealed earlier this month that fellow Championship outfits Sheffield Wednesday and Luton Town are also keen.

But while a multitude of headlines are indicative that Cannon's future could lie away from Staffordshire, Foxes boss van Nistelrooy has made it clear that it is possible that the 22-year-old may remain with the Potters.

If such an eventuality occurs, it would be majorly positive news for the Potters, who currently sit just four points above the relegation zone, despite avoiding defeat since a 2-0 loss to league leaders Leeds United on Boxing Day.

But the Staffordshire side's lowly position in the Championship table is through no fault of Cannon's, who has scored nine goals in 22 second tier outings since his arrival back in August.

At times, the Ireland international has been simply sensational, and notched four goals in one game when the Potters hammered relegation rivals Portsmouth in October.

If Stoke can retain Cannon's services for the remainder of the season, it will give them a clear edge over fellow survival candidates, and will come as a major boost for new boss Mark Robins.