Aston Villa and Everton will contest the oldest top-flight fixture once again next season when they meet in the Premier League.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford
Everton’s Jordan Pickford could be in for a serious challenge for England’s number 1 spot if Aston Villa push on with their move for Jack Butland.
The Birmingham Mail have claimed that Villa are plotting a stunning move for Stoke City’s Butland, with a potential bid of £20 million in the offing.
Now that Villa are in the Premier League, it increases their chances of signing the 26-year-old, who would enhance his career if he makes the move. Both in terms of challenging Everton’s Pickford for England & proving his worth once again in England’s top-flight.
At this moment in time, Pickford is pretty comfortable in between the sticks for Gareth Southgate’s side, especially after he produced penalty heroics during the UEFA Nations third-place play-off final win over Switzerland last Sunday.
But only six months ago, Pickford was coming under huge stick from a number of supporters, including the Goodison Park faithful as his form in the Premier League was being questioned – but for England, no-one was really cementing a proper challenge for his number one spot, with the number two playing in the Championship.
But that can soon change if Butland does make the move to the Midlands outfit because he would be playing on a bigger stage and his name will be heard a lot louder.
Added with that, Villa have been known to produce England internationals when they have been playing in the top-flight and there’s no reason why that will change upon their return.
On his day, Butland is a high-class keeper and if he can reproduce his best form in the Premier League and for Villa then Pickford should look over his shoulders when he’s representing his country on international duty.
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