Sunderland to miss out on Everton striker ahead of loan but £8m deal still an option

The Black Cats had been linked with a move for Everton’s Tom Cannon but he is reportedly close to a loan move with Preston

Sunderland look set to miss out on a deal for Everton’s in-demand striker Tom Cannon, with the 20-year-old set to join Preston North End on loan this week.

The Black Cats were among a host of clubs, including Championship rivals Leeds United, to be credited with interest in the youngster, as Tony Mowbray looks to address his side’s goalscoring issues.

However, Alan Nixon reported this weekend that while Preston have been given the green light to complete a loan move for Cannon, Italian side Sampdoria could still make a late £8m bid for a permanent deal.

Cannon was an unused substitute as Everton got their Premier League campaign under way with a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham on Saturday, but is expected to spend the season away from Goodison Park.

Sunderland have been monitoring his situation, along with Stoke City and Leeds, and it appears his future will be decided this week. The Black Cats are in desperate need of more attacking options, with Ross Stewart ruled out injured.

Missed chances have already proved costly for Mowbray’s side in their two Championship games to date, with Saturday’s game with Rotherham United already looking like a vital match. Both sides are currently winless and with Coventry and then Southampton to follow, a win at the Stadium of Light would be crucial for Mowbray and Co.