Everton are reportedly keen on Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford – but they may have to wait to sign him.
England’s Jordan Pickford during training
Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has told The Mirror that he wants to wait until after the Under-21 European Championships this summer to decide his future.
Pickford, 23, has come up through the ranks with Sunderland having joined the club at the age of just eight back in 2002, and he is now their first-choice goalkeeper.
This past season, Pickford was one of the few shining lights in a dismal season for Sunderland, producing superb displays to keep the Black Cats in games.
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford
However, Pickford couldn’t keep Sunderland in the Premier League, and the club’s drop into the Championship now means that they face losing Pickford this summer.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo last month, Everton submitted a bid of just £8million for Pickford, which was swiftly rejected given that Sunderland actually want around £30million for their young goalkeeper.
This summer, Pickford will be in action for the England Under-21’s as they take part in the European Championships in Poland, with the Sunderland stopper almost certainly starting the competition as England’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford
Premier League eyes will be on Pickford as clubs weigh up attempts to offer him an instant return to the top flight, but clubs like Everton may be left waiting until July to try and seal a deal.
Pickford has told The Mirror that he told his agent that he wants to focus completely on the Under-21 European Championships, and will only make a decision when the tournament is over for him.
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford celebrates
“I have spoken to my agent and told him that I just want to concentrate on the Euros and be the best I can be,” said Pickford. “I’ll see where it takes me. I don’t want to be getting distracted,” he added.
The Under-21 European Championships start on June 16th and end on June 30th, meaning that if England manage to reach the final, Pickford may only be willing to discuss a move from July onwards – leaving Everton to wonder whether they can afford to wait that long.
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