Jordan Pickford Everton exit news emerges amid Sunday update from Fabrizio Romano on Manchester United pursuit of Andre Onana
Everton are on the brink of avoiding Jordan Pickford being poached by Manchester United after Fabrizio Romano’s latest update on their pursuit of Andre Onana.
The Toffees star was reportedly top of the shopping list at Old Trafford amid difficulties on negotiating a new deal with David de Gea [Tutto Mercato Web, 13 June], with Everton apparently ready to sell.
The Mirror also put Pickford on a three-man shortlist for Erik ten Hag on 16 June, alongside Onana and Diogo Costa, as the outlook became “bleak” for the Spanish long-time starter, but even after De Gea confirmed his exit on Saturday (8 July) Romano’s Sunday update appears to put Everton in the clear.
The Italian journalist reported via Twitter: “Manchester United are not negotiating for any other 1st goalkeeper than André Onana at this stage.
“Contacts took place with 2/3 candidates but nothing advanced — all in standby since Wednesday as ten Hag only wants Onana. Deal expected to be done/sealed next week.”
If the deal for the Cameroon international goes through as planned in the next few days to reunite him with his former Ajax boss it surely knocks them conclusively out of the running for Pickford, which should be a significant boost to his manager and the fanbase.
The England number one had also been of interest to Tottenham as they looked to replace Hugo Lloris, with talks reportedly opened earlier this summer over a move [Football Transfers, 4 June].
But Spurs have now signed former Empoli keeper Gugliermo Vicario on a five-year deal [BBC Sport, 27 June] so it appears, barring a new club entering the market for the Everton stalwart later in the window, that Sean Dyche can start to plan with some more certainty at the position.
However, with the possibility that the Toffees may have to make a sizeable sale this summer to fund incoming transfer business, it may increase the prospect of Onana’s namesake Amadou being sacrificed for big money.
Losing either star man is going to be a significant blow, but given their respective positions and the alternative options at Goodison Park it should be a more manageable departure if one has to go for it to be the young midfielder.
In other Everton news, the club look close on the first signing of the Sean Dyche era and the deal has been called a “no-brainer” as a pundit claims his current side are “giving him away”.