Everton are dealing with a possible nightmare situation within the close to future, amid stories suggesting that Premier League rivals Manchester United are excited about Toffees primary Jordan Pickford as a attainable alternative for David de Gea subsequent summer season.
In keeping with the Telegraph, the England ‘keeper is a participant within the body ought to new United boss Erik ten Hag want to axe the long-serving Spaniard on the finish of the season, with the Pink Devils considering whether or not to provide the previous Atletico Madrid man a contract extension.
That curiosity within the 28-year-old comes amid issues over his present deal at Goodison Park, with the 28-year-old having just below two years remaining on his present contract on the membership, having initially arrived on Merseyside on a £30m deal from Sunderland again in 2017.
The £100k-per-week stopper has been the undisputed first-choice between the sticks for the membership since then, regardless of dealing with criticism from each followers and pundits alike at instances, with it set to be an actual concern if he’s to maneuver on any time quickly.
This hypothesis additionally comes at a time when the £25.2m-rated man is presently sidelined with damage – as too is Andy Lonergan – with supervisor Frank Lampard having been pressured to herald veteran Eldin Jakupovic on a short-term deal in consequence, whereas additionally handing reserve goalkeeper Asmir Begovic the beginning berth final trip.
It’s removed from a perfect scenario having a handful of ageing stoppers as understudies to Pickford, however Lampard may doubtlessly unleash a youthful different if and when the Toffees do determine to ditch the 45-cap gem.
Selling from inside may effectively be the reply to that challenge, with 22-year-old Billy Crellin seemingly chomping on the bit for a style of first-team motion, having been signed from Fleetwood City late within the January window.
That transfer got here amid long-standing curiosity within the highly-rated prospect from these at Goodison, with the top-flight outfit having reportedly seen a proposal rejected for the then-teenager again in 2019.
That adopted the Blackpool-born star’s involvement within the World Cup triumph for England’s U17 facet two years earlier, that includes in a gaggle stage victory over Iraq as a part of that wonderful path to the showpiece.
The boyhood Everton fan was handed recreation time by Lampard throughout pre-season, with the subsequent step now to be handed the belief to function in a aggressive recreation, having made it onto the bench within the League Cup win over his former membership final month.
Ought to Pickford depart any time quickly, it could be time for younger Crellin to show his value at senior degree.
