TEAMtalk has learned three Premier League giants including Man Utd and Tottenham all admire an Everton ace who could realise his dreams of securing a major move as early as the summer.
The appointment of Sean Dyche has breathed new life into Everton’s ailing campaign. The Toffees were staring relegation in the face under former boss Frank Lampard. The fact they became the only Premier League side to not sign a new player in January did little to appease the concerns of the fanbase.
However, Dyche was drafted in to help beat the drop and the turnaround against Arsenal was immediate.
Everton sunk the table-toppers 1-0 and if that single performance is anything to go by, Dyche has more than enough at his disposal to surge clear of the bottom three.
However, come the summer, Dyche will hope to be given funds to invest in his squad. Without financial backing, Everton may well find themselves in a similar position near the foot of the table next term.
But equally as important as signing new stars is retaining the best they already in place. In that regard, few come better than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The 28-year-old has been a bright spark throughout the current campaign and continues to excel for both club and country.
However, Pickford is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and as yet, an extension is not close.
Pickford has previously been linked with a step up in class to the likes of Man Utd or Tottenham. Now, speaking exclusively to TEAMtalk, transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has revealed a summer move is entirely possible.
Man Utd, Chelsea, Tottenham all eyeing Pickford
Bailey namechecked Spurs and Man Utd as well as Chelsea. All three EPL heavyweights like what they’ve seen from Pickford and could all be in the market for a new stopper very shortly.
“Goalkeeping situations in the Premier League are going to be one of the fascinating subjects in the summer window and one of the main protagonists is set to be Jordan Pickford,” Bailey told TEAMtalk.
“Pickford has less than 18 months left on his current deal at Everton and although a new deal has been discussed, it is not imminent.
“Despite Everton’s struggles in recent years there is little doubting Pickford’s quality and he has kept his England slot which signals the regard he is held in, and not only by England boss Gareth Southgate.
“As it stands, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United could all be on the look out for new number ones and Pickford is admired by them all.
“Pickford is about to turn 29 and if he wants a big move, this summer could very well be his big chance.”
Who needs Everton ace the most?
Calls have begun to grow for Antonio Conte to axe Hugo Lloris. The veteran Frenchman leads the league in errors leading to goals this season (four) and at 36, his career is only going one way.
Man Utd, meanwhile, are reportedly in ‘advanced’ negotiations with David de Gea over a new contract.
If signed, it’s unlikely Pickford would be needed too. However, De Gea must be willing to take an enormous pay-cut given Erik ten Hag’s ‘Ronaldo rule’ and if he balks, Pickford represents a fine alternative. What’s more, he’s far better with his feet and Ten Hag favours a possession-based game.
Finally, Chelsea have brought Kepa Arrizabalaga back into the fold under Graham Potter and the Spaniard has produced a series of world class saves since being recalled.
Edouard Mendy is very much the back-up right now and the Sun previously reported he’s taken a dim view of his demotion.
In the event Mendy is turfed out or Kepa can’t maintain his standards, Todd Boehly’s free-spending Blues will once again be on the prowl.
Overall, Spurs appear the club with the greatest need for a new stopper and a Pickford exit would in turn leave Everton with a giant hole to fill.
However, given his status within the game, it stands to reason they’ll at least be able to generate a sizeable transfer fee.