Frank Lampard gives update on Everton contract talks…

Frank Lampard gives update on Everton contract talks with Jordan Pickford

Contract talks between Everton and Jordan Pickford are continuing with Frank Lampard keen to tie down England's number one for the long-term.

Pickford's current deal runs out in 2024 and discussions over extending that began earlier in the summer. They were opened after the 28-year-old played a leading role in Everton's relegation escape - including making the stop that would later be named 'save of the season' against Chelsea.

Pickford's leadership credentials have since led to him starting the season as captain while Seamus Coleman continues his recovery from injury.

The former Sunderland shot-stopper put in several impressive performances during the final weeks of last season. His save from Cesar Azpilicueta was credited as being the best stop of the Premier League campaign and was, seconds later, followed by a sensational point-blank block from Antonio Rudiger. Those heroics came in the 1-0 home win over Chelsea that was effectively the turning point of the club's survival bid.

Pickford also made a series of stunning saves in the away match at Leicester City - another win that proved vital. Weeks earlier he was handed the captain's armband for the first time in his career for the away trip to Burnley. Recalling his pride over that, he said: "It was good. It was the first time captaining the club and first time being captain in my career, so it was a nice moment. I always say you need more than one captain in the team; Seamus [Coleman] is the club captain but you need leaders to help Seamus [who was a substitute at Turf Moor], you need leaders to help the team. If you had 11 leaders on the pitch, it would be amazing but you’ve got to lead in your own way. I feel like I try to be a leader in my way. Sometimes it looks like I’m shouting ridiculously but it’s that talking and information and trying to lead in that manner. The more leaders you have in the team, the better."

Those comments came after the Chelsea match and the Azpilicueta save. Referring to the save this summer Lampard said: “This save is not save of the season, it’s save of the Premier League era."

Pickford joined Everton from Sunderland in 2017 before signing a new six-year contract the following year.

Asked about the latest on the contract talks, Lampard stressed his desire to retain the keeper and appeared hopeful a deal would soon be done. He said: "The club are speaking with Jordan. He is a massive player for us, everyone wants him to stay, and Jordan is very happy here. Maybe it is one for the craziness of the window to shut in a couple of weeks and in the cold, calm light of day we can get it done very quickly."

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