Here's your Everton FC morning headlines on Friday, February 24.
Jordan Pickford commits to Everton in major boost for Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell
Jordan Pickford could be the goalkeeper who leads Everton into the club's new stadium after extending his stay on Merseyside.
The 28-year-old has signed a new contract with the Blues, committing to a four-and-a-half year deal that will take him to the summer of 2027 - well after the club's proposed move to a landmark waterfront development. The development comes as a significant boost for both manager Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell as one of the dressing room's most respected figures provides a vote of confidence in their ambitions for the club.
Negotiations began some months ago and continued after Dyche's arrival, the new manager speaking to the England number one to set out his vision and the role he believes Pickford can play in delivering it. They have been concluded even with Everton facing another relegation battle and amid rumoured interest in Pickford from clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur.
READ MORE: 'He made it very clear' - Sean Dyche lifts lid on Jordan Pickford talks about Everton future
READ MORE: Sean Dyche has brought Everton clarity but it's time two players chipped in with goals
Pickford came to the fore during Everton's gruelling survival fight last season. His form had been impressive for some time for club and country but he then produced a series of stunning performances in his club's time of need. Everton's escape from trouble began with the win over Chelsea that was inspired by Pickford's save from Cesar Azpilicueta - later voted the official Premier League 'save of the season' - and the point blank stop from Antonio Rudiger seconds later.
In the following game he was sublime again as Everton secured a vital three points at Leicester City. During this period his leadership credentials also became clear, then manager Frank Lampard giving him the captain's armband for the first time in his career in the trip to Burnley that ended in defeat last March. With club captain Seamus Coleman recovering from summer surgery, Pickford began this season as captain. His form continued with notable saves from Liverpool's Darwin Nunez and Fulham's Willian among the highlights.
Read the full story HERE.
Sean Dyche makes Conor Coady 'decision' as Everton consider transfer option
Everton will look to turn Conor Coady's loan deal into a permanent switch at the end of the season, according to reports.
St Helens-born Coady joined the Blues on a temporary deal in August after a tough pre-season under then-Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Bruno Lage that suggested he would receive limited game time at Molineux, even though he was the club captain.
The 29-year-old instead made the move to Goodison Park and has gone on to forge a solid defensive partnership with summer signing James Tarkowski. Calls to turn Coady's loan into a full-time switch were batted away by former Toffees boss Frank Lampard earlier in the season, but according to a new report, it appears that the England international has made a sufficient impression on new manager Sean Dyche already.
Football Insider claims that sources have told them that the Blues are now planning to offer a Coady a permanent route out of the Midlands back to his Merseyside roots. Coady's loan deal has a £4.5million option to buy included in it which now looks likely to be exercised.
Read the full story HERE.
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