Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom is keen to bring back Sheffield United striker Tom Cannon, who scored eight times in 20 Championship outings for the Lancashire outfit during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign. The Irishman played for the club on loan from Everton and has since struggled to find his form at Leicester City and Sheffield United. Heckingbottom is reportedly plotting a raid on his former club to bring Cannon back to Deepdale this summer. ## What happened? Cannon's career has been marked by inconsistency, with his success at Preston and Stoke City marred by his struggles at Leicester City and Sheffield United. ## Why it matters for Preston The move could help Cannon rediscover his goalscoring form, which earned him a permanent move to Sheffield United. ## What comes next? With the transfer window still open, it remains to be seen whether Heckingbottom's plans will come to fruition. Preston North End have had a solid summer so far, with four new arrivals through the door, including the permanent acquisition of last season's star loanee Alfie Devine from Tottenham Hotspur. The club is looking to take the Whites from an established mid-table side to a promotion contender. With that goal in mind, Heckingbottom is reportedly keen to prise Cannon away from Bramall Lane. The Blades spent an initial £7m when they signed the Irish forward from Leicester in January 2025, which could rise to £10m with add-ons. Cannon is under contract at Bramall Lane until the summer of 2029, but it looks unlikely to see out the duration of his deal should the right offer come in from North End. The story of Cannon's career thus far has been a rather strange one, with his success at Preston and Stoke City marred by his struggles at Leicester City and Sheffield United. It's clear to see there's a talented goalscorer in the Irishman, who thrives in the correct environment, it's just not working out for him when he's tasked with being the leading man in a squad with promotion ambitions. That's not to say Cannon couldn't be the star man for Preston if their ambitions are matched by his form. ## What's at stake? The move to the Steel City hasn't worked out for Cannon, who has just seven goals to his name in 54 appearances across all competitions for Chris Wilder's side. A move away could be the best for all parties, with Cannon potentially rediscovering his goalscoring form at Preston. The club is currently 35 points behind leaders Coventry in the Championship table, with 55 goals scored and 62 conceded this season. They are set to face Birmingham at home on February 16, 2027, in their next fixture.