Everton have made an early move for in-demand Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and are confident of securing his services in a £17m deal this summer, reports The Northern Echo.
Ronald Koeman has switched between Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles between this sticks this season but neither have particularly impressed enough to convince the Everton manager they can be his No.1 goalkeeper going forward.
Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League last week and are now bracing themselves for bids from some of the league’s biggest clubs for star goalkeeper Pickford, who has been one of few bright sparks for the Black Cats this season.
David Moyes would be reluctant to let the England Under-21 international, who was also promoted to the senior England squad this season, as he builds a squad capable of competing in the Championship, but the club may not be able to turn down an offer as big as the one Everton are reportedly preparing.
Everton aren’t the only side interested in Pickford but appear the first side ready to step up their interest with a formal offer, although it remains to be seen whether Manchester City or Liverpool will react to this news.
Pickford’s performances have been so impressive that the Sunderland ace has even earned a place in the WhoScored Premier League Team of the Season as it stands.
For more stats on Jordan Pickford, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
