Sheffield United: Chris Wilder drops clear Tom Cannon transfer claim | OneFootball

Sheffield United are among the clubs eyeing a move for Leicester City forward Tom Cannon

Chris Wilder has confirmed that Sheffield United have made a bid to sign Tom Cannon from Leicester City amid Sunderland and Burnley interest.

The forward spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Stoke City, where he scored nine goals from 22 appearances in the second division.

But the Foxes have recalled the Ireland international amid speculation over his permanent future at the King Power Stadium.

It was reported earlier this week by Alan Nixon that Sunderland offered £13 million for the 22-year-old, with the journalist also claiming a bid worth up to the same amount was tabled by the Blades.

Chris Wilder opens up on Tom Cannon situation

Wilder has confirmed that an offer has been made to sign Cannon from Leicester, making no attempt to hide his interest in signing the player this month.

He has also suggested that alternative plans are in place in case they are unable to bring him in.

“There's a bid gone in,” said Wilder, via The Star.

“Other clubs want the player.

“I'm not going to hide behind anything or mug anyone off; we're in the race for Tom and there's a lot of other things that have got to happen as well.

“We're in the race for a couple of others as well and we have to have those contingency plans."

Chris Wilder highlights ownership investment

Regardless of the race to sign Cannon, Wilder has highlighted the desire from the new owners to invest in the team before the 3 February deadline.

“The owners want to back the recruitment team in association with the new data route we're going down and everything adds up," he added.

“We're in discussions about a player, there's no point trying to disguise that.

“The really good thing about it is that we’re looking to improve and invest with a couple of permanent signings.

“Who, hopefully, can play their part in the second part of our season and going forward.

“That's where it's at.

“If we don't then we'll move on to other targets that are reasonable and are value for money as well.

“And if there isn't anyone we'll not do any business on the permanent front, but the owners are supporting what we're trying to do and that can only be positive news.”

It has been reported by Sami Mokbel that Burnley are also in the mix, with GiveMeSport writing that Cannon’s former club Everton are considering an approach as well.

Cannon transfer pursuit has become the big January development

Given Burnley, Sunderland and Sheffield United are all fighting for automatic promotion this season, the signing of Cannon has become a huge moment in that battle.

The winner of his signature will feel they’ve taken an edge, with only one point separating first from fourth at the moment.

It is a positive sign for Sheffield United that they are once again able to compete financially under the new owners.

It was a turbulent couple of transfer windows under the previous regime, but that now appears to be behind them with this chase for Cannon.