Middlesbrough are said to have made a shocking late move to hijack a deal to sign Tom Cannon. The Leicester City striker is wanted by several Championship clubs, although Boro are hopeful of pulling off this deal.
Boro know they face stiff competition for the unwanted Leicester forward, but Michael Carrick appears keen on the deal. The likes of Sheffield United, Luton Town and local rivals, Sunderland all hold a serious interest in the Republic of Ireland centre forward.
Middlesbrough make late move for Tom Cannon
It’s been a rather indifferent start to the season for Carrick’s men having won, drawn and lost one in the league, while also being dumped out of the Carabao Cup. So, it looks as though Boro could do with a final few tweaks in these remaining hours of the transfer window.
According to Transfermarkt, Boro already have five first-team strikers on their books, with the standout name being Emmanuel Latte Lath. However, the board and management are seemingly trying to push for promotion this year amidst this recent link.
Alan Nixon is reporting that Middlesbrough are now serious contenders to sign the coveted striker, Cannon. It’s being reported that this move by Boro is a ‘shock‘ but one which does come close to the valuation Leicester have put on the player’s head.
Boro advancing in talks with Leicester
It would be a major coup for Boro to land Cannon, and even more impressive to beat off such stiff competition. If Middlesbrough can pip their local rivals Sunderland to the signing of Cannon it would hand fans bragging rights and the club with another top striker.
While Middlesbrough already have a well-stocked striker apartment, Cannon could be a player too good to turn down. The 21-year-old is still rather inexperienced at first-team level making just 41 appearances throughout his career.
Last season with the Foxes he struggled to establish himself making just 13 league appearances. In those games, he scored just two goals, and both of those came in the same match against Huddersfield Town.
Do Middlesbrough need Cannon?
Boro currently sit 17th in the Championship when it comes to goals scored, having found the back of the net just three times (FBRef). So, while the likes of Latte Lath and Tommy Conway could be vital players this season, Carrick will be looking for further options.
With a price tag of just £7 million, Cannon could be a very shrewd signing for Boro or any other Championship side. It could be that Cannon has a choice of clubs before the deadline arrives, which could leave Boro sweating in the final few hours.