Preston North End have announced the loan signing of Everton striker Tom Cannon.
The youngster was involved with the Blues' first team either side of the World Cup and was a key part of the Sydney Super Cup action in November. Frank Lampard said Cannon was in first team contention as the domestic schedule resumed and he was brought on as a late substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.
But a loan move for the rest of the season was the most likely scenario, particularly with the recovery from injury of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the recall of fellow academy striker Ellis Simms from his loan deal with Sunderland.
READ MORE: Everton confirm permanent transfer of forward after loan decision
READ MORE: Striker search, Tom Davies interest, 'next to leave' and Everton transfer state of play
Cannon was watched several times by Preston boss Ryan Lowe as interest grew in the 20-year-old. Lowe was present as Cannon scored for Everton's under-21s against Paris Saint Germain's academy and Mansfield Town's first team. He bullied rival defences throughout the opening half of the season, scoring against several other Football League senior sides in the Papa John's Trophy along with Mansfield.
He was also a standout player in Australia, scoring a penalty in the shoot-out win over Celtic before striking again against Western Sydney Wanderers. After those performances Cannon told the ECHO: “I back myself. When I'm in front of goal I back myself to score every time so I just need to keep going. I feel I can help the team, hopefully I can just keep impressing the manager and see where things go.”
A remarkable rise during the first half of the season concluded with Cannon making his first-team debut at Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup and then his Premier League debut against the same opposition days later - before his work in Australia and involvement against Wolves. There had been calls to give Cannon more senior opportunities but with him being involved in the U21s squad against West Ham United on Friday night rather than the first team as they took on Manchester United in the FA Cup, his departure on loan appeared increasingly likely.
Upon securing his move, Cannon said: “I’m delighted and glad it’s finally done. It’s an opportunity I’m really looking forward to after speaking to the manager. He’s told me what they want of me and I’m hearing they create a lot of chances so I’m here to put them away. It’s good that I can come out on loan to such a club as Preston. Ever since I heard of the interest, I just wanted to get the deal done, and I’m glad it’s finally done. I just want to gain as much experience and minutes as I can here and see where that takes me.”
Lowe added: “I’ve been following Tom’s progress for around a year now, with him being a Liverpool lad playing for Everton, not too far from us. We’ve heard really good things about him and he’s someone I’ve watched play numerous times. He’s a goal threat and a goalscorer.
"It’s not about who it is, it’s about people who score goals and, as you’ll hopefully see, he gets in the right areas to do just that. He’s a young lad with great energy, great ability, he works his socks off for the team and more importantly he’s a goalscorer. There were a lot of clubs who were interested in signing him, so I’m really pleased we’ve got it over the line.”
READ NEXT:
Missed Everton transfer opportunity could help solve big Frank Lampard problem
Everton are not using their biggest weapon properly as flawed transfer plan is brutally exposed
Michael Beale addresses Tom Davies transfer rumours as Everton midfielder linked with Rangers
'He understands' - Conor Coady sends Frank Lampard message and addresses Everton board criticism
Frank Lampard makes Everton 'reality' admission after Manchester United defeat
