Everton ready to sell top Manchester United target Jordan Pickford as transfer window opens
Jordan Pickford is “top of Manchester United’s shopping list” this summer and Everton are prepared to sell him, according to Tutto Mercato Web.
The England number one only signed a new contract last season but amid wrangling at Old Trafford over David de Gea’s future he has remained a target for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Pickford, 29, has been a vital part of both the previous two relegation battles but the Toffees are reportedly ready to let him go for a fee of around €30million [£25.6million].
Back-up keeper Asmir Begovic has already rejected a contract extension and moved on, with Everton reportedly interested in re-signing Joel Robles from Leeds United [The Athletic, 12 June].
Pickford is also thought to be of interest to Tottenham who need to replace Hugo Lloris, with Football Transfers reporting talks had already been opened over a possible deal on 5 June.
The transfer window officially opened Wednesday 14 June.
Madness
It’s not beyond the realms of possibility, as Everton supporters know all too well, that a star player will have to be moved on once again to fund incoming business.
But for all his detractors it feels like a major risk to make that departure Pickford, considering the unique role a goalkeeper plays psychologically in a team.
While his demonstrative style often earns him as many critics as it does supporters, it is hard to escape the idea that this embattled squad has needed a presence like that behind them throughout the past two seasons.
Pickford is, on his day, a top goalkeeper in his own right, but he at times draws criticism from pundits and rivals alike because it is him, which can take the heat off teammates.
Since various big clubs are looking for keepers this summer it is inevitable that the Toffees man is going to draw interest, but unless a huge offer that they absolutely can’t refuse is put on the table he needs to stay.
No Evertonian wants to see Amadou Onana leave the club, but the central midfielder’s absence can perhaps be compensated for more easily than the man who wears the armband when Seamus Coleman isn’t in the side.
With Begovic gone already it would leave an obvious gulf in goal to lose Pickford too, and while Robles is a solid keeper he would be a downgrade if he is eyed to once again become the starter.