England goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, is set for contract talks with Everton next week, upon his return from an extended holiday, according to Sky Sports.
The Toffees are keen to secure Pickford’s future after it was reported that he was Chelsea’s number one target should Thibaut Courtois depart for Real Madrid. Pickford has been prioritised by the Club ahead of Leicester City’s, Kasper Schmeichel and Stoke City’s, Jack Butland.
Courtois has only 12 months remaining on his contract at Chelsea and is unlikely to sign an extension. The 26-year-old Belgian had previously waited on compatriot Eden Hazard to commit to Chelsea before signing an extension himself. Courtois has publicly admitted that his heart is in Madrid and the Belgian along with Brazilian winger, Willian, is subject to a £100 million double bid as per The Mail on Sunday.
Pickford, 24, had a stellar World Cup campaign as England made the semi finals for the first time since Italia ’90. So, any interest in the former Sunderland ‘keeper is not really a surprise. Pickford featured in all 38 league matches for Everton last season, keeping 10 clean sheets in the process.
Pickford signed for Everton last season for £30 million and is valued at €35 million, according to Transfermarkt. As quoted in the Daily Express, Sky Sports transfer correspondent, Kaveh Solhekol claimed that it would take Chelsea to cough up £100 million in order to lure Pickford’s services. Hardly surprising considering his contract does not expire until the summer of 2022.
Given his contract status, Pickford is an unrealistic signing; a more realistic signing, however, is the aforementioned Jack Butland. Butland is available for much less and is someone who has been constantly linked to Chelsea. Manager, Gary Rowett, as expected, has played down any link to SW6.
Should Chelsea break the bank to sign Pickford? Let us know.
