Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford has been linked with Manchester City.
According to the Mirror, Sunderland are to offer Jordan Pickford a new contract following his recent England call-up and amid interest from title challengers Manchester City.
The report claims the Black Cats are aware of the Citizens’ sustained interest in the player but have set their sights on keeping the player at the Stadium of Light for the long term.
Pickford came through the club’s youth ranks and went on to enjoy loan spells at the likes of Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston North End before making his Sunderland Premier League debut.
Vito Mannone’s injury earlier in the campaign has seen him become David Moyes’ number one of late, and his impressive performances saw him called up to Gareth Southgate’s recent England squad.
The 22-year-old only signed a new contract at the Wearside club nine months ago, yet increased interest in the player could prompt Sunderland into offering him further improved terms.
City boss Pep Guardiola is renowned for wanting his goalkeepers to be comfortable with the ball at his feet, and as a result he opted to drop Joe Hart and replace him with Claudio Bravo.
Chilean international Bravo is likely to be the club’s number one at least for the next few seasons, although Guardiola may see Pickford as an ideal understudy and long-term replacement.
The Sunderland custodian no doubt has a huge future ahead of him, and the Black Cats will surely fight tooth and nail to keep him at the Stadium of Light for as long as possible.
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