Fabrizio Romano drops Jordan Pickford update as Everton transfer mooted ahead of January
The Guadian’s Fabrizio Romano has revealed Everton are insistent on keeping Jordan Pickford for the long term despite speculation linking him to a Goodison Park exit.
The Daily Mail reported (27 December) that Pickford’s future has been thrown into doubt with there being a delay in talks over a new contract for the 28-year-old. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are all keeping a close eye on the keeper’s situation.
However, Romano has since revealed (Caughtoffside blog, 29 December) that there has been no news when it comes to Pickford’s situation and that top clubs will explore a deal in the summer if a deal cannot be struck.
“There is no news on Jordan Pickford for now, despite speculation elsewhere. It’s something that the top clubs will explore in the summer if Everton will not be able to reach an agreement on a new contract,” wrote Romano.
“It’s still quiet now and Everton will insist again to keep him long-term.”
Hurry up
The board really need to get a move on when it comes to Pickford’s future, with speculation certainly growing in recent weeks and months. He has been superb over the past two years for the Toffees and losing the England number one would be a huge loss.
The Daily Mail have suggested that the delay has come from the boardroom and not Pickford, and if it leads to him leaving the club, the decision-makers at Goodison Park will have a lot to answer for. The longer the delay goes on the more likely the 28-year-old is to assess his options elsewhere.
David de Gea’s future at Manchester United is certainly in doubt at the moment and the Red Devils could well be looking at the Everton shot-stopper to replace the Spaniard should he leave Old Trafford.
With his contract up in the summer of 2024, this is a scenario that needs to be rectified in the coming months before his deal enters its final year.