Tom Cannon set for crunch talks ahead of ‘huge’ decision for Everton sensation
Everton starlet Tom Cannon is set to meet with both England’s under-21 management and Republic of Ireland chief Stephen Kennedy before deciding his international future, according to Alan Nixon.
The journalist posted on his Patreon (6 August) that the Preston North End loan star, having made five total appearances for the Republic of Ireland’s youth set-up, has a “huge” call to make with England keen on convincing the 20-year-old to make the international switch.
Cannon is set to sit down with both camps in the coming weeks before making his international decision amid a link away from Everton and back on loan to Preston.
Tough
International allegiances can be complicated for players. The opportunity to play for a better side can be tempting even if you’ve already made appearances for another nation.
With England courting the Liverpool-born forward, it must be tempting for Cannon to make the switch. he would join a host of other players to switch from the Republic of Ireland to England, including current Three Lions Jack Grealish and Declan Rice.
For Everton, they would want Cannon to go to the nation where he gets the most minutes and most experience. While the Euro-winning England side is stronger, Cannon’s previous appearances for the Republic of Ireland may make it tough for him personally to make the switch.
However, it should be reassuring for the youngster if England are keen on his services as it means he is likely to get regular minutes for the side.
Everton fans have already been reassured about the quality Cannon possesses following his excellent loan spell at Preston last season.
With eight goals in 20 appearances for Preston after his January loan move, the Goodison Park faithful got a glimpse of the striker Cannon could become, and if he leads the line for his nation it will only serve to improve him and his value.
He looks to be heading back to Preston in the Championship this season and will look to replicate his form from last season with the Toffees’ new striker Arnaut Danjuma likely to fill this position in the Premier League in the new campaign.
With forward Youssef Chermiti also looking likely to join Everton, the loan move for Cannon feels appropriate.
However, while Cannon has a big decision to make about his football future, Toffees fans can relish the fact they have such a sought-after player on their books.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports journalist has shared an update on the Chermiti transfer situation.