Dimitar Berbatov reacts as £200,000-a-week Jordan Pickford exit news emerges at Everton
Manchester United do not need to rush into signing a replacement for David De Gea amid reports they want to bring in Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
That is the view of former Red Devils star Dimitar Berbatov, who acknowledged the England number one would have the benefit of already knowing several Three Lions team-mates at Old Trafford.
United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly identified Pickford as a target this window, with a £45million bid and a double-your-money £200,000 per week deal being prepared [Daily Star].
However, Berbatov urged United to take their time finding the man to replace De Gea between the posts in the long term.
Speaking to BetFred, Berbatov said: “The main benefits when it comes to signing Jordan Pickford is that he’s the goalkeeper for the England national team and he’s experienced in the Premier League. He already knows some of the players, so that’s a good thing when you’re adapting to a new club.
“On the other hand, I don’t believe Manchester United should rush the decision on who their new goalkeeper is going to be because they need to make the right choice because the likelihood is that the goalkeeper they choose is going to be at the club for a long time.
“They need a goalkeeper that’s good at using his feet and capable of playing out from the back. They need to take their time when it comes to identifying the right goalkeeper for them.”
Sorry Toffees fans, Pickford can’t miss this opportunity
David De Gea was, at one time, among the best goalkeepers in the world let alone the Premier League.
But the Spaniard has been a player in decline for some time and if United are to truly compete again with Europe’s elite they need a new man donning the gloves.
And why should it not be Everton star and England number one Pickford? He has been a mainstay for national team boss Gareth Southgate and has never let down his country.
He did endure a tricky period for Everton but was a vital player in keeping the Toffees in the top flight last term.
It is a chance he deserves and, it might not be what Everton supporters want to hear, it is an opportunity he cannot pass up.
At 29 years old, Pickford still has plenty of football left in him and £45m for a goalkeeper of his calibre would represent good business on both sides.