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Report explains why Everton may not confirm £30m deal until end of the month

England's Jordan Pickford during training (REUTERS)
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Everton are close to signing Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford.

Sunderland's Jordan Pickford celebrates after Patrick van Aanholt scores their first goalSunderland’s Jordan Pickford celebrates

Everton are closing in on a deal to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, with a £30 million fee agreed between the two clubs, BBC Sport report.

It appears very close to a done deal, but fans of both teams may have a little wait yet for it to be formally announced.

England's Jordan Pickford during trainingEngland’s Jordan Pickford during training

According to The Express, Pickford’s transfer may not be confirmed until the end of the month.

This is due to Pickford’s involvement for England’s under-21 side at the upcoming European Championships.

The tournament begins this Friday and runs for two weeks, and with preparations in full swing, there is no prospect of the goalkeeper returning to England to rubber stamp the transfer.

Sunderland's Jordan Pickford celebrates after the gameSunderland’s Jordan Pickford

This means a nervous fortnight for both teams, who will be crossing their fingers that Pickford emerges from the tournament without injury.

From Everton’s perspective it was smart to get a fee agreed now, and risk it being driven up even further if Pickford’s performances added to the hype surrounding him, and attracted other interested clubs.

BBC Sport report that the fee is £22 million plus £8 million in add ons.

Sunderland's Jordan Pickford applauds fans after the matchSunderland’s Jordan Pickford