Everton handed boost as journalist reveals latest Chelsea stance on Jordan Pickford
Simon Phillips has revealed that despite Chelsea monitoring Jordan Pickford, the Everton shot-stopper is no longer their top target.
It was revealed earlier this month that Chelsea are keen on signing Pickford amid Eduoard Mendy’s poor form at Stamford Bridge.
However, it seems the arrival of former Brighton boss Graham Potter has changed who the Blues are targeting, with Talk Chelsea host Phillips instead claiming that Robert Sanchez is the London club’s priority.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Phillips said “At the moment I’m told that Sanchez from Brighton is the main target to replace him [Mendy].
“They have looked at Jordan Pickford and they have been watching him again recently on scouting missions, but at the moment, Sanchez, purely because Potter knows him, Potter had him at Brighton, he’s the main target to replace Mendy.“
Phew
Losing Pickford would’ve been a huge blow to the Toffees. Frank Lampard has built an impressive backline at Goodison Park – one that boasts the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League this season.
Pickford is as crucial as anyone else to that defensive line, and losing him could be disastrous for the club. Asmir Begovic is hardly good enough to be a Premier League starter anymore, so investment would be needed to sign a new goalkeeper.
But it seems Chelsea have averted their attention away from the 28-year-old, and Lampard will be extremely relieved to hear that news.
Pickford has occasionally made some huge mistakes in an Everton shirt, but he was also pivotal in the club’s Premier League survival last season and fans recognise that. His form in the last two seasons has been impressive, and his absence was felt in those few weeks he was injured.
If the club want to avoid another ugly relegation scrap this season then they cannot afford to lose Pickford anytime soon.