Everton are reportedly keen to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
England’s Jordan Pickford during training
According to The Sun, Everton are leading the race to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as Ronald Koeman pursues a long-term first-choice shot stoper.
The Toffees lost Tim Howard to MLS side Colorado Rapids over the summer, and Koeman swooped to sign Maarten Stekelenburg from Fulham having worked with his fellow Dutchman at both Ajax and Fulham.
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford celebrates after Patrick van Aanholt’s goal against West Brom
Stekelenburg has so far repaid Koeman’s faith in him, turning in a host of impressive performances, including Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City, where he saved two penalties.
Joel Robles appears to have little future at Goodison Park, and with Stekelenburg now 34, Everton should be looking to bring in a younger goalkeeper to groom behind veteran Stekelenburg.
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford
Now, The Sun report that Everton are keen to land Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who has been one of the few shining lights in a dismal opening to the campaign for the Black Cats.
Pickford, 22, has come up through the ranks at the Stadium of Light, and having starred during a loan spell at Preston last season, he’s now become Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper in the absence of Vito Mannone.
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford saves from Tottenham’s Erik Lamela
Last week, Pickford was called up to the England squad as a replacement for the injured Tom Heaton, once again underlining just how highly-rated he is – and Premier League rivals are now taking notice.
It’s claimed that, whilst Everton are leading the race for Pickford’s signature in what would be a smart move for the Toffees, Sunderland boss David Moyes is reluctant to lose his young goalkeeper, and will subsequently push for a huge asking price to be put on Pickford’s head.
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