Everton transfer news: Jordan Pickford and Alex Iwobi ‘not available for sale’ as Dean Jones shares club stance
Everton have ruled out the possibility of selling both Jordan Pickford and Alex Iwobi this summer, amid several interest from elsewhere, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Pickford extended his deal for another four years on 24 February and has been linked with moves to both Tottenham and Manchester United during the transfer window, with key sales mooted to boost Sean Dyche’s transfer budget.
And Iwobi has also been linked with several clubs already with Serie A giants Inter Milan and Fulham reportedly battling for his services [Football Transfers, 13 July], however, former Eurosport journalist Jones has shared that the likelihood of Dyche’s “key” stars leaving Goodison Park are very slim.
Speaking to GiveMeSport (16 July), Jones said:
There has been plenty of speculation around Everton and who they will sell to raise funds this summer and a lot has been made of Jordan Pickford potentially being the one that brings in a lot of cash.
“That actually goes against what I am hearing on the situation now that we are here in the middle of the transfer window and heading towards the new season.
“Pickford is not available for transfer, it seems a pretty clear stance from what I’m hearing.
“The same goes for Alex Iwobi to be honest, he is one they want as an instrumental figure in the team and while there have been a couple of reports suggesting he will be available in this window, I do not believe that to be the case.”
Crucial figures
Everton’s desperation to recoup funds for some of their key stars have been made very clear this summer, given their financial difficulties and pressure.
However, seeing the likes of Pickford and Iwobi leave the club with so much uncertainty surrounding the kind of business the Toffees could do this summer, could be pretty damaging and hurt their chances of competing.
Despite the club’s disastrous campaign last summer, Pickford and Iwobi proved such crucial figures last season which will have had Dyche desperate to keep them for the forthcoming campaign.
Certainly, Everton need cash right now and should a healthy windfall arrive on the table for Iwobi or even Amadou Onana, it will be a surprise to see the Toffees reject such offers.
But selling Pickford will arguably be a no-go zone, and rightly so, with the England international already expressing his desire to remain on Merseyside.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are closing in on completing their second signing of the summer in one Leeds United player.