Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their pursuit of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as they prepare for Hugo Lloris’ contract expiring this June, according to TuttoMercatoWEB.
Lloris has now entered the final six-months of the six-year terms he signed with the north Londoners in 2016. He agreed to a long-term, £100k-a-week deal after four-years as Spurs’ first-choice shot-stopper and remains their number one.
Antonio Conte has stated, via football.london, his desire to see the £13m former Lyon star stay at the club. He is also confident the France captain wants to agree a new contract, too.
But Ligue 1 pair Nice and Stade Rennes are interested in taking Lloris back to France when his deal expires. Foot Mercato also note the former Nice trainee is interested in a move to the Allianz Riviera. While France Bleu Armorique cite the goalie as Rennes’ ‘dream’ target.
Tottenham step up Conte’s Pickford pursuit
With Lloris’ contract situation uncertain, Tottenham are advancing their transfer pursuit of Everton’s Pickford to provide Conte a possible replacement. Spurs have made steps toward taking the England number one to north London at the end of the season.
The Telegraph had cited Conte’s interest in Pickford back in November as Tottenham began eying a new shot-stopper. The Italian would prefer Spurs sign a homegrown option if Lloris leaves, or rival the Frenchman for his starting role next season if they agree an extension.
Everton’s Pickford features high on Tottenham’s transfer shortlist, as Conte wants to sign the best goalkeeper available to replace Lloris. The £100k-a-week 27-year-old has kept three clean sheets over his 17 Premier League appearances so far this season.
Everton open to summer transfer exit for Pickford
Everton are open to selling Pickford amid Tottenham and Conte’s transfer interest. The Sun reported in December that the Toffees would also set a £30m asking price, as Rafa Benitez looks to improve his budget to strengthen the ranks he adopted at Goodison Park last year.
Pickford has spent the past four-and-a-half seasons on Merseyside following a £25m move from Sunderland in 2017. Everton’s deal with the Black Cats can reach £30m with add-ons.
While the 42-cap Three Lions stopper does not boast a great record so far this season, he has earned praise. Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell hailed Pickford after his efforts in Everton’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in December.
“He was absolutely first-class today,” he said on BT Sport (16/12 21:58). “He stepped up to the plate. He’s been criticised before for switching off and not concentrating, but I didn’t think he put a foot wrong tonight, even with his distribution.”
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