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Sources: Everton make decision on recalling Cannon to first-team squad
Everton boss Sean Dyche will wait until pre-season to run the rule over returning loanee striker Tom Cannon, sources have told Football Insider.
The 20-year-old brought an end to a hugely successful half-season stay at Preston North End last weekend as they rounded off the 2022-23 Championship campaign against Sunderland.
Cannon scored eight goals in his 20 second-tier appearances in Lancashire, a return that has prompted manager Ryan Lowe to openly discuss his desire to bring him back to Deepdale next term.
Of course, Cannon’s personal focus is likely to be on impressing Dyche and proving that he is worthy of a place in the first-team squad at Goodison Park going forward.
However, Football Insider understands he will have to wait until the summer to do that, with the Toffees opting not to recall their loanees to training even with their season finished.
Cannon would be ineligible to feature in the club’s four remaining Premier League games due to registration rules after his loan stint at North End.
But the option to allow him to join the senior squad at Finch Farm was open and has not been taken by Dyche.
The Republic of Ireland U21 international will instead begin his summer break before returning to Everton ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Cannon recently spoke of the benefits of his stint at Preston, saying: “I feel like since I walked through the door it’s just flown and I’ve fully enjoyed it.
“To be fair, people probably looked at an U23 player coming to the Championship as a first loan as maybe tough, but I thought I’m going to come here and just relish it.
“I knew I had the trust from the gaffer and the staff and to get that was nice, and it gave me a real confidence boost.
“Since I’ve been here I feel like I’ve done well and the goals have also played their part as well so it’s all good.”
In other news, Everton are plotting to sign key man from their relegation rivals.