Jordan Pickford's recent Everton exit admission telling as Bayern Munich lurk
Jordan Pickford has once again been linked with an Everton exit - and recent comments made by the goalkeeper say a lot.
The England international is into his 10th season as an Everton player, each of those as a regular starter.
Indeed, Pickford has already accrued 365 appearances for Everton, with the 400 mark fast closing in.
He remains one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, with multiple teams trying - and failing - to poach him from Everton.
Bayern Munich are the latest side to show an interest in Pickford as they seek a replacement for long-serving stopper Manuel Neuer.
Pickford was recently asked why he has stayed on Merseyside so long, while giving an insight into any potential future moves.
What did Jordan Pickford recently say on Everton exit?
First and foremost, it would take a massive sum of money for Everton to even consider selling Pickford.
He is David Moyes' most important player in that the drop in quality between him and the rest is quite simply massive.
If Everton are to have any chance of competing for the European spots, they need Pickford between the sticks.
And it is European football Pickford very much wants - or more specifically, Champions League football.
In quotes published by The Independent in February this year, Pickford was asked why he has remained at Everton for so long.
"It's just a great club for me. Opportunities [to leave] might have arisen and might not have," he said.
"I think the most football I'll watch is the Champions League, so it's one of them I would love to play in.
"But Everton have been so loyal to me and we've got that relationship and that connection with the fans.
"Everyone wants to play Champions League football, why can't we? It's a tough ask but opportunities arise."
Pickford admitted he would love to play in the Champions League, but did add he would love to do that with Everton.
Even the most ardent of Everton supporters will accept that, unfortunately, is unlikely to happen.
What is Pickford's Everton contract situation?
Pickford, previously hailed as "incredible" by Wayne Rooney, mentioned himself how Everton have been loyal to him and vice-versa.
The good news is that he still has two years to run on his Hill Dickinson Stadium contract beyond this season.
Only in 2028 would Everton have to consider potentially cashing in, then, assuming another new deal is not signed before then.
So while Pickford would love to play in the Champions League, it does not sound as though he would ever dream of pushing for a move away from Everton.