Jordan Pickford remains settled at Everton as rumoured interest in the number one continues to swirl.
The goalkeeper is currently with the England squad and kept a clean sheet in the national side’s win over Malta last week. Reports have suggested that Manchester United are preparing a bid for the 29-year-old as current number one David de Gea enters the final weeks of his contract.
But no formal approach - should one be made - is expected before that situation is resolved and talks remain ongoing. Pickford, meanwhile, is content and has relished the additional responsibility given to him at Everton over the past 18 months.
Speculation surrounding Pickford’s long-term future has persisted throughout the year. Both Man Utd and Tottenham Hotspur are succession planning. De Gea’s time at Old Trafford is at risk of ending in the coming weeks while Dean Henderson, who at one time looked set to step up, could also be allowed to leave should an acceptable offer be submitted. Erik ten Hag could therefore be in the market for a number one and reports have suggested Pickford could be among those being considered, one claiming at the weekend that a £45m bid was being drawn up. Spurs, meanwhile, are thought to be seeking a new first choice keeper after Hugo Lloris endured a difficult season.
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For months Pickford has been suggested as a possible solution for both clubs and rumours have intensified since the end of the season. But any potential deal is currently thought to be a long way off. While a move to the Red Devils would seem the most likely option of the two - both offering an opportunity to play Champions League football while also allowing Pickford to remain in the area in which he is settled with his family - claims of an imminent offer from Manchester have so far been perceived as ‘noise’ by those close to the keeper. The club is also being heavily linked to Andre Onana of Inter Milan but little movement is anticipated until the de Gea situation has been formally resolved.
Pickford signed a new deal with Everton earlier this year despite the club heading for a second consecutive relegation battle - during which he made a number of crucial saves and captained the team when Seamus Coleman was absent. That contract may not prove prohibitive to suitors, who would likely be able to offer him improved terms. Everton may also be open to serious offers as the club seeks the funds to strengthen in other areas. Sean Dyche acknowledged after the final game of the season that he had yet to be advised on whether he would need to sell players in order to buy. Should that be the case then Pickford is one of few players who could attract a fee capable of seriously strengthening the hand of Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell.
Any such proposition has been hampered by the departure of Asmir Begovic, however. A capable number two who kept important clean sheets in two of his last three first team outings, Begovic turned down a new contract leaving Everton in little doubt that any sale of Pickford would necessitate the search for a replacement, an added complication to the situation.
