Steve Cooper, the head coach of Nottingham Forest, is giving a thumbs-up to the supporters during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground in Nottingham, on December 15, 2023. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Leicester City boss Steve Cooper has delivered a brief verdict on Tom Cannon.
Reports emerged on Monday suggesting that the Black Cats have tabled a bid of around £5million for the striker, with several other Championship clubs credited with an interest in making late approaches to prise him away from the King Power Stadium this week. Norwich City, Stoke City, and Sheffield United are all also said to be keen.
The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international signed for Leicester from Everton last year, but has since made just three starts and 13 substitute appearances in the Midlands, scoring three goals and assisting two more in the process.
Having been named on the bench for Leicester’s opening weekend draw with Tottenham Hotspur this season, the centre-forward was omitted from Cooper’s squad entirely for Saturday’s defeat against Fulham. Indeed, since early March, Cannon has registered just 15 minutes of first-team football.
After bidding for the striker, reports emerged on Thursday claiming that Sunderland had pulled out of the race to sign Cannon.
Speaking ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa this weekend, Cooper was asked about Cannon’s situation. He said: “He’s definitely a good young player and is attracting a lot of attention. It is possible [that Cannon leaves]. If he does, it will be the decision the club thinks is best. If not, I’ll enjoy working with him.”
So far this summer, Leicester have signed just one out-and-out centre forward in the form of Jordan Ayew after their promotion to the Premier League.
