Chelsea could be about to reignite their interest in Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, as they track the 30-year-old ahead of a bid next summer.
The £30m keeper has been constantly linked with a move away from Goodison Park in recent seasons, with Manchester United and Chelsea amongst those reportedly interested.
However, the England international renewed his commitment to the Toffees by signing a contract extension with the club back in February, keeping him in an Everton shirt until 2027.
Upon signing his renewed terms, the 29-year-old stated that he wants to ‘build a legacy’ at the Blues, taking inspiration from the great Neville Southall.
Pickford said: “This contract will take me to more than 10 years at Everton and I want to build a legacy here to put myself up there with the likes of Neville Southall to be one of the best keepers to have played for Everton.”
Chelsea not deterred in approach for Jordan Pickford but Everton must retain him
However, the goalkeeper’s commitment to the club has not deterred Chelsea in preparing an approach for the Everton star, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly planning to make a bid next summer.
That is according to 90MIN, who report that a move for the player in January is ‘unlikely’, though Chelsea will evaluate their ‘options’ at the end of the season.
Everton are a club in chaos and Jordan Pickford’s stability in goal cannot be underestimated, with the Toffees likely playing Championship football now were it not for the performances of the 29-year-old.
His heroics over the past two seasons have allowed the club to remain in the top-flight by the skin of its teeth, with his fine shot-stopping form continuing once again this campaign.
Pickford’s unbelievable double save at the death at Bramall Lane a fortnight ago aided Everton in earning their first and currently only point of the season.