Sunderland Miss Out on Tom Cannon as Sheffield United Close in on £13m Deal

Sunderland’s pursuit of Irish striker Tom Cannon has come to an end, with the 22-year-old reportedly set to join Sheffield United. Despite several attempts across multiple transfer windows, the Black Cats have failed to secure Cannon’s signature, leaving Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman and the club disappointed.

Cannon, currently on the books at Leicester City, had been a long-term target for Sunderland. Reports suggested the club was prepared to spend £13 million to bring the former Everton striker to Wearside, as owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus aims to strengthen the squad for a promotion push. However, Sheffield United appear to have won the race, dealing a significant blow to Sunderland’s ambitions.

The Blades, sitting second in the Championship table, have reportedly agreed to pay £13 million for Cannon, including an upfront fee of £10 million and an additional £3 million in performance-related bonuses. This financial package is believed to have tipped the scales in Sheffield United’s favor, despite Sunderland’s willingness to spend big if they secured promotion.

Cannon, who scored nine goals in 22 Championship appearances on loan at Stoke City earlier this season, is expected to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal at Bramall Lane. His arrival will bolster Chris Wilder’s squad as they aim to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Sunderland, currently fourth in the Championship, appear to have shifted their focus to alternative striker targets. The club has been linked with Matija Frigan from Belgian side Westerlo, though updates on that potential deal have been scarce. Another name in the mix is Emil Riis from Preston, but this link has been met with mixed reactions from fans.

As the January transfer window nears its conclusion, Sunderland will be hoping to finalize a deal for a striker to aid their promotion push, despite missing out on their long-term target, Tom Cannon.