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Everton could be forced to offload Jordan Pickford and Chelsea are keeping close tabs on the situation ahead of the summer transfer window, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the market for a new goalkeeper.
The Toffees’ proposed takeover by 777 Partners is in doubt and the club are under pressure to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules to avoid further punishment after being docked points earlier this season.
Pickford is considered one of Everton’s most valuable assets, with the club faced with the prospect of having to sell their most high-profile players, and speculation has been mounting that England’s number one could be set for the exit door at Goodison Park.
The 30-year-old arrived on Merseyside in a £30million switch from boyhood team Sunderland back in 2017 and has gone on to make over 270 appearances for Everton across seven seasons with the club.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are on the hunt for a top-class ‘keeper and Pickford is said to be firmly on their radar.
Chelsea’s current goalkeeping options, Roberto Sanchez and Dorde Petrovic, are yet to prove themselves as viable long-term solutions between the sticks and the Blues are set to monitor developments at Everton over the coming weeks and months.
Pickford, who is enjoying his seventh campaign with Everton, is tied into a contract until 2027 and was linked with Manchester United before Andre Onana’s move to Old Trafford last summer.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Everton head coach Sean Dyche said he was hopeful the club would not be forced into selling their top players before the 2024/25 campaign.
‘We won’t necessarily have to sell. There are a varied amount of things that have to go into the PSR, it is not just that scenario,’ he told reporters.
‘There are some obvious questions to be answered but the new ownership, possible new ownership, might change things. We’re still waiting on more news.
‘Kev [director of football Kevin Thelwell], the staff, everyone is taking an open view on signings because we’re not quite sure of the financial things, of course, which way it’s going to go.
‘We’re looking at a broad view at what football offers you as regards to players, contract situations and all the rest that goes with it.
‘That’s all we can do at the moment before narrowing down in the summer, which all teams have to do.
‘It doesn’t change that much. Of course, it does if someone comes along and says: “Here’s an amount”. But most clubs at this stage of the season will be open-minded, planning on different scenarios and then as the season comes to a finish, start narrowing down to what you can proceed with. That’s what we’ll be doing. Nothing is defined at the moment.’
On Pickford’s future, Dyche added: ‘I think he is genuinely happy here.
‘He seems to me when I speak to him, his family life is settled, he is settled in as part of the fabric of Everton.
‘That is an important factor. He is still England’s number one. He is in a healthy place for himself and for I think his life meets his professional life. There is always a balance.
‘If players are settled in what their life is and with the club, that is a really good situation and he certainly seems so to me.’
It’s understood Aaron Ramsdale is also being monitored by Chelsea, with the shot-stopper losing his place to David Raya at Arsenal.
Ramsdale, Pickford’s England rival, had appeared to have nailed down his spot as Mikel Arteta’s number one but has been limited to just five appearances in the Premier League this term.
However, Chelsea will know Ramsdale will not come cheap, with the Gunners likely to demand a fee in excess of £50million for the 25-year-old, who still has two years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates.
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