Sunderland AFC may have dodged a £10m transfer bullet on Sheffield United evidence | OneFootball

The striker has failed to make an impact since his move to Bramall Lane.

In January, Sunderland's transfer approach took a drastic change of direction, with Kyril-Louis Dreyfus threatening to flex his financial muscles.

The Black Cats' chairman secured his most expensive ever signing by turning Wilson Isidor's season-long loan deal into a reported €6million (£5.02million) permanent deal, as per Sportune.

However, Louis-Dreyfus was not done there, with the Wearsiders linked with a range of strikers from across Europe, including Tom Cannon, who was on loan at Stoke City.

Cannon eventually joined Sheffield United in a deal reported to be around the £10m mark, according to BBC Sport, but on current evidence, the North East side will be glad they did not trump the Blades' bid.

Tom Cannon has struggled in front of goal for Sheffield United

Chris Wilder had no problem with throwing Cannon straight into the action following his move from Leicester City, with the striker starting up front against Hull City.

It was a trying debut for the Republic of Ireland international in more ways than one, with Cannon registering 20 touches and two shots as the Blades were hammered 3-0 by the Tigers.

The 22-year-old's form picked up in his second appearance against Derby County as he notched an assist and the same number of attempts in an improved performance.

However, since his assist at the start of February, Cannon has failed to produce a goal or assist and has not scored in eight appearances since completing his move to Bramall Lane.

To make matters worse, it appears Wilder has lost faith in his ability, with Cannon being limited to substitute appearances in his last four appearances.

Cannon would struggle to get into Sunderland's side

If the Black Cats had managed to complete a deal for Cannon, then it is likely he would be experiencing the same struggles in the North East.

While some were excited about the proposition of signing him, others were hesitant due to the amount of money being touted for a player yet to break the 10-goal mark in a season.

Yes, Cannon caught the eye with his four-goal haul against Preston North End, but would he have been an upgrade on the likes of Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda?

On current evidence, the answer to that question would be an emphatic no.

Isidor is experiencing a dip in form, but the 24-year-old has shown he is capable of producing match-winning performances and should have more than 12 Championship goals.

As for Mayenda, he has been in and out of the team due to Isidor's exploits but has notched seven goals, which is a reasonable feat considering his limited starts.

With both players strong contenders for the number nine position, adding Cannon would have proved problematic for Regis Le Bris and would have disrupted what is a solid attack.

The winter window was a lesson that there is no point in splashing the cash for the sake of it and Sunderland will be relieved they did not complete a deal for Cannon.