Preston North End are on the verge of landing Tom Cannon.
That’s according to Alan Nixon, who has reported on his Patreon that the Lilywhites have won the race for the Everton striker.
Cannon spent the second half of last season on loan with Preston, in what was his first real crack at senior football. The ‘outstanding’ youngster certainly didn’t disappoint as he netted eight goals in 20 appearances.
Cannon’s loan spell attracted plenty of attention this summer, with the likes of Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City all keen to bring him back to the Championship.
However, it looks like Preston have won the race for his signature and will pay close to £1 million to bring him in on a season-long loan.
Cannon is unlikely to leave Goodison Park until Everton secure the signing of Youssef Chermiti, who is scheduled for a medical with the club but is yet to come to an agreement on personal terms.
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Chermiti was set to arrive on Merseyside before their pre-season friendly with his current club Sporting Lisbon, while Preston could look to wrap up a deal for Cannon before their opening day clash with Bristol City this weekend.
Was Preston North End the best option for Tom Cannon?
There was a lengthy list of clubs that Everton could send Tom Cannon to this summer, though Preston North End always remained fairly high in the race.
The striker clearly enjoyed his time at Deepdale last season and it makes total sense for the Toffees to return him to a club that he is familiar with and already has a relationship with the fans and staff.
Sean Dyche’s side will be hoping he can build further on his previous form in the Championship and be ready to either slot into the first team next summer or build up a hefty price tag to be sold.
Either way, Everton will have done very well to rake in a £1m fee for his loan exit.