JUST IN’I Like Good Players’: Regis Le Bris Breaks Silence on Tom Cannon and Sunderland Rumours

January 16, 2025

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris faced the media on Wednesday afternoon ahead of his side’s Championship clash against Burnley on Friday night. Unsurprisingly, the topic of Tom Cannon, a player heavily linked with Sunderland, Sheffield United, and a potential shock return to Everton, dominated the conversation.

Cannon, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the Championship, is reportedly the subject of £13 million bids from both Sunderland and Sheffield United. Whether this figure would involve an initial loan arrangement remains unclear, but the speculation surrounding his next move continues to grow. Cannon’s potential arrival at the Stadium of Light has generated significant excitement among Sunderland fans, who are hoping to see their team further strengthen its push for Premier League promotion.

Le Bris’ Response to Cannon Speculation

When asked about the ongoing rumors during the press conference, Le Bris was predictably tight-lipped but did not shy away from acknowledging his interest in quality players. He stated:

“I like good players. It’s still interesting to watch good players in the league, but at the minute we can’t comment on anything.”

Pressed further on the Cannon situation, the Sunderland manager reiterated:

“Speculation is speculation, so I can’t comment on anything about that.”

Although his answers were vague, Le Bris’ comments hinted at Sunderland’s interest without offering confirmation. His cautious approach reflects the sensitivity of transfer negotiations, particularly in a competitive market where rival clubs are also vying for Cannon’s signature.

Cannon’s Journey and Recall by Leicester

Cannon’s performances this season have made him a hot commodity in the Championship. The 22-year-old striker scored nine goals in 22 appearances for Stoke City, proving himself as a reliable and consistent goal-scorer. However, despite his success at the bet365 Stadium, Cannon’s loan spell was cut short when Leicester City, his parent club, exercised their right to recall him on Wednesday. This decision has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the ongoing transfer saga.

Journalist Mark Holmes shed light on the recall process in a post on X (formerly Twitter):

“Tom Cannon got a call from Leicester at 11.30 last night to say he’d been recalled. Cannon had told Leicester he was happy to stay at Stoke, but Leicester understandably want to assess all options.”

According to Holmes, Cannon expressed a desire to remain at Stoke, where he was thriving under their system. However, Leicester’s recall suggests that the club sees significant value in reassessing their options for Cannon during the January transfer window, either to use him themselves or to maximize his market value in a potential sale.

Competing Interest from Sunderland, Sheffield United, and Everton

The competition for Cannon’s signature is heating up, with Sunderland and Sheffield United both rumored to have submitted substantial bids. For Sunderland, signing Cannon could represent a decisive move in their efforts to secure automatic promotion or at least solidify their place in the playoff race. His ability to find the net regularly in the Championship could provide the cutting edge needed to push Sunderland into the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

Sheffield United, also in the running, are believed to be matching Sunderland’s financial offer. Their interest in Cannon highlights their determination to return to the Premier League after suffering relegation last season.

Adding another layer to this saga is the reported interest from Everton. In what would be a shock move, Cannon could return to Goodison Park under the management of David Moyes, who recently took over as Everton manager. Moyes is no stranger to the demands of the Premier League and could see Cannon as a valuable addition to his struggling squad. While Everton’s reported interest is still speculative, the possibility of Cannon returning to Merseyside adds complexity to an already crowded race for the player.

A Potentially Defining Move

Cannon’s next destination could have significant implications for the Championship promotion race. Sunderland’s manager, Regis Le Bris, is clearly focused on keeping his team competitive, but landing a striker of Cannon’s caliber would undoubtedly bolster their chances of success. Cannon’s proven goal-scoring record in the Championship makes him an asset for any team looking to secure promotion this season.

However, with multiple clubs vying for his signature, including the possibility of a Premier League return to Everton, the final outcome remains uncertain. For now, Sunderland fans can only hope that their club can outmaneuver the competition and secure a deal for one of the Championship’s most exciting talents. Regardless of where Cannon ends up, his transfer saga is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic stories of the January transfer window.

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