Tom Cannon, the latest promising player to come out of Everton’s Finch Farm academy, has been impressing on loan at Preston North End, reports the FFC.
However, there are concerns that Everton may lose him to Swansea City, who are reportedly interested in securing his services for the upcoming season. Journalist Alan Nixon has claimed that the Welsh club is keen on the Republic of Ireland U21 international, with his loan spell at Preston only serving to increase interest in him. While Everton manager Sean Dyche may consider promoting Cannon to the first team, if he is sent out on loan again, both Swansea and Preston will be vying for his signature, with Swansea potentially making a cash offer if they lose their top scorer Joel Piroe.
Everton have been struggling in front of goal this season, with the departure of Richarlison and injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaving them without a consistent goal-scorer. They have scored the fewest goals in the Premier League (24), making it a top priority for the club to address this issue regardless of their final league position.
Financial concerns at the club have led to suggestions of selling their best prospects, but utilizing Tom Cannon as a center-forward could save them from spending millions on a new signing. Cannon has been in excellent form on loan at Preston North End, scoring eight goals and registering one assist in 18 Championship appearances. He has also created three big chances and averaged 1.1 shots on target and 1.1 successful dribbles per game.
Keeping Cannon at the club and giving him the opportunity to feature regularly in the first team would be a wise decision, as letting go of a promising young striker like him would be a mistake that Everton cannot afford to make again.