Given that Sunderland shocked the Championship by acquiring Enzo Le Fee, it appears that Regis Le Bris’s next top priority is a new striker.

With rumours that Leicester City will remember the striker from his productive loan stint at Stoke City, Tom Cannon is the most recent name to be connected to the North East team.

In order to strengthen their promotion drive, Sunderland is expected to launch a loan-to-buy offer for Cannon this month if that occurs.

Stoke City recall Nathan Lowe – are they preparing for life after Tom Cannon?

Stoke’s decision to initiate their own recall on Sunday, bringing back teenage striker Nathan Lowe from his successful stint with League Two pacesetters, Walsall, substantially bolstered the alleged pursuit of Cannon.

The 19-year-old Lowe had scored 18 goals and provided seven assists for the Saddlers during the first half of the season, but it appears that Mark Robins, the new Stoke manager, has decided he wants the player in his plans.

That would be fantastic news in respect to Sunderland’s transfer efforts, since it probably indicates that the Potters are preparing a replacement for Cannon.

Ben Brereton-Diaz and Cannon are rumoured to be targets for Sunderland, although the latter may be more likely to return to Sheffield United, so the Black Cats will have to rely on the 22-year-old Leicester loanee.

Ruud van Nistelrooy hints at plans for Tom Cannon at Leicester

Cannon’s loan deal with Stoke has a break provision that Leicester must exercise by Wednesday, after which they may decide to send him to another Championship team. In that competition, Luton Town, Sheffield United, and Sheffield Wednesday join Sunderland.

However, it’s possible that Leicester has plans for Cannon that would keep him closer to home based on remarks made by manager Ruud van Nistelrooy during his most recent press conference (via the Leicester Mercury).

Van Nistelrooy responded, “He’s one on the list for us,” when questioned about Cannon. We watch him closely. Tom’s circumstances are carefully evaluated. On that, choices need to be made. There is still a chance that [he stays at Stoke]. However, we are considering what is best for the club and for his circumstances.

Thus, Sunderland can only hope that Leicester will decide that sending Cannon to the Stadium of Light as part of their promotion push is the wisest course of action.