Chelsea warned by Glen Johnson to steer clear of approaching Everton for Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford has been linked with a move to Chelsea, but Glen Johnson thinks the Everton shot-stopper should stay put.

According to the Express, Chelsea have joined Manchester United in a battle to sign Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Pickford has been in fine form for the Toffees this season, and Frank Lampard's side boast the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League this season.

His performances between the sticks have clearly drawn attention from other clubs, but Johnson thinks the Sunderland-born keeper should stay put, and actively warned Chelsea against signing him.

"You wouldn’t want to act hastily by signing a replacement so suddenly," Johnson told BettingOdds.com

"Form is temporary but class is permanent. I don’t think Pickford would be a good replacement at all.

"They’ve [Chelsea] paid a lot for their goalkeepers, so buying somebody else isn’t the option. You’ve got to work with what you’ve got and Kepa’s doing well now he’s got his chance.”

Hands off

Johnson's comments suggest he thinks Chelsea should steer well clear of signing Pickford, but Evertonians will tell you he's been superb this season, and that they're more than happy to keep hold of him.

While he is prone to making the odd mistake or lapse of judgement, Pickford's overall shot-stopping ability is very good, and his distribution is even better.

With a properly organised front four in front of him, Everton are finally starting to see the best from their 28-year-old goalkeeper.

Chelsea - as well as Manchester United - would have to make some assured promises to Pickford if they were to lure him away from Goodison Park. After all, he's guaranteed a starting spot in Merseyside and is highly valued by Frank Lampard. If neither club could offer him regular first-team football, a move doesn't make sense.

Plus, risking game time at a new club means risking his England spot, and Pickford at the moment is nailed on to start for the Three Lions.

Frankly, it doesn't boil down to whether Chelsea should or shouldn't go in for Pickford in the summer. Everton won't sell and that's that.