Everton are reportedly set to offer a bumper new deal to England number one Jordan Pickford, who is a target for Chelsea this summer.
According to a report by The Times, Everton are looking to offer Jordan Pickford an improved contract to keep him at Goodison Park beyond the summer transfer window. Chelsea are interested in signing the English goalkeeper to replace Thibaut Courtois, who looks set to join Real Madrid.
Pickford has seen his stock skyrocket ever since his breakout campaign with Sunderland in 2016-17. The subsequent summer saw him joining Everton, where he was a solid customer once again. But, the crowning glory of his career thus far has been the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The 24-year-old was one of the best performers in the tournament as they finished an impressive fourth. Pickford has since become a hot property in the transfer market, with Real Madrid also among his admirers. But, Chelsea are the front-runners in his pursuit, and for good reason.
The Blues are in a precarious situation as regards the future of Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, with reports even suggesting that he has agreed personal terms with Los Blancos. Chelsea are thus, in a serious need to sign a top class replacement in time before the summer transfer window slams shut.
The West Londoners have signed Robert Green. But, the veteran goalkeeper has seemingly been signed to boost Chelsea’s homegrown quota, with Danny Drinkwater facing the axe. Pickford is thus, a viable target, with his exploits at the World Cup suggesting he is ready for a step up in his career.
But, Everton are unwilling to part ways with the stopper just one year after they signed him in a £30 million deal, with Marco Silva looking to mount a challenge for a top 6 spot. The Toffees are now aiming to keep Pickford away from the clutches of Chelsea by offering him a bumper new deal.
The report adds that Silva expects Pickford to start Everton’s season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which suggests that the manager is confident of keeping hold of the player. It’s now starting to look like Chelsea will have to make a generous offer, both to the Merseyside club and Pickford, in order to land him, considering he still has four years left on his current deal.
With just over 10 days left for the summer transfer window to close in England, the Blues will have to move quickly in pursuit of Pickford. Otherwise, Chelsea will be in a major spot of bother, if Courtois pushes for a move to Real Madrid. An interesting next few days beckon.
