Preston North End have made Tom Cannon their number one target this summer.
The Lilywhites are desperate to re-sign the striker after a hugely successful loan spell last summer, according to LancsLive.
After making his senior debut for Everton in November, Cannon joined Preston in January until the end of the season. Despite his lack of professional football, the 20-year-old netted eight goals in 20 appearances in the Championship.
Cannon very quickly became a firm favourite at Deepdale, with Preston boss labelling him ‘absolutely brilliant’ and a ‘credit to Everton’ back in April.
The forward has since attracted plenty of interest, with the likes of Sunderland and Luton Town both interested in his signature.
However, Preston have reportedly already been in discussions with Everton over another loan deal and they are now prioritising a move for the youngster.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
The news comes shortly after reports claimed that Everton would consider giving Cannon a chance in the first team following Ellis Simms’ switch to Coventry City.
Everton can’t afford to let Tom Cannon join Preston before they bolster their own attack
Everton’s main priority this summer has been offloading players to be able to fund their own signings, however that probably shouldn’t be the case with Tom Cannon.
The Toffees have already sold Ellis Simms to Coventry, while Neal Maupay remains heavily linked with the exit door.
If the Premier League club let Cannon join Preston then they could potentially be left with only the injury-prone up front.
The 20-year-old will definitely benefit from a second loan spell in the Championship, however Everton need to focus on bringing in another attacker or two first.
The Toffees continue to be linked with El Bilal Toure, who appears to be one of their first choice targets as they look to add more competition for Calvert-Lewin.