CORK CITY have completed the season-long loan signing of Freddie Anderson from Stoke City.
The 18-year-old has linked up with the Leesiders having been with the USA’s under-20 side for a training camp in Florida, the start of their preparations for the World Youth Cup later this year.
Anderson said: “I’m really happy to be given such a great opportunity to play for such a great and big club like Cork City.”
The son of former Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Manchester United defender Viv, he qualifies for the States through his mother.
He lined out for Stoke in a friendly against City last summer and later scored on his competitive debut, a Carabao Cup win over Carlisle United, but has not featured for the first team since.
City boss Tim Clancy said: “Freddie is a very impressive young defender, who we obviously got a close look at in last summer’s friendly.
“It’s another deal that we have been working on for a while, so to finally get it done is great, and it’s brilliant that we have him for the full season.”
Elsewhere, Sheffield Utd boss Chris Wilder has hailed the signing of Tom Cannon as a statement of intent.
The Blades – second in the Championship – have signed Cannon from Leicester City for a reported £10million.
Wilder said: “This is a big statement by the owners and shows the ambition of the football club. Bringing in someone of the calibre of Tom at this time will excite the supporters and energise the group.
“He is of a good age to develop but also has the experience of this level, both important factors.
“I spoke to Tom in the summer, he’s aware that I am a big fan of his talents, I’m delighted he is a Blade and part of our longer-term vision.
“This significant signing is a collaboration of the work of the recruitment team, our own eye and the data we have, because Tom is right up there with his stats – he is also the style of centre forward we believe will boost the squad.
“A number of aspects have come together and the result is we have another very good player as we embark on the second half of the season.”