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Everton and England number one, Jordan Pickford, has been linked with a money-spinning switch to Manchester United and this week, his representatives issued a telling response to the transfer rumours on social media.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is believed to be in the market for another high-calibre goalkeeper to rival and possibly replace current incumbent David de Gea between the United sticks and Pickford is thought to feature near the top of his ideal candidates for the role.
Spanish stalwart de Gea is close to agreeing a new contract on reduced terms at Old Trafford, though that hasn’t stopped ten Hag and his recruitment team from scouring the market for goalkeeping alternatives.
Several reports surfaced over the past seven days to suggest that 29-year-old Pickford had made the list of possible summer targets for United and his agents have taken to Twitter to address the gossip.
Pickford set for United switch?
Jordan Pickford helped his current club Everton to Premier League safety on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign, however, potential involvement in perennial relegation scraps doesn’t align with the established England international’s aspirations at club level.
It makes sense then, that the keeper would see his name linked with moves to clubs positioned further up the table, however, Pickford’s representatives, CAA Stellar, have moved quickly to squash rumours hinting at a possible push away from Goodison Park.
In a statement issued to Twitter user @ElBobble, an emphatic response read:
“Jordan is very happy at Everton and very settled with his young family.
“He loves the club and will remain at Everton until we are told otherwise. He is excited to get back for pre-season and help push Everton up the table.”
The statement is certain to be greeted with appreciation from an Everton fanbase who were keen for their club to hold onto one of their most influential performers, though the assertive nature of the response casts doubt on the veracity of the initial rumours linking Pickford to Manchester United.
“Jordan is very happy at Everton and very settled with his young family. He loves the club and will remain at Everton until we are told otherwise. He is excited to get back for pre-season and help push Everton up the table” – CAA Stellar – Jordan Pickford’s representatives 🔵 pic.twitter.com/gBtl7OfBMR
— The Bobble (@ElBobble) June 11, 2023
United’s goalkeeping conundrum
Jordan Pickford was the latest in a lengthening line of goalkeepers linked with transfers to United and despite David de Gea’s imminent contract extension, it does seem apparent that the club are actively trying to recruit a new stopper.
While David de Gea finished with the Premier League’s Golden Glove for 2022/23 for his unmatched haul of 17 clean sheets, his poor distribution skills and sub-par command of his penalty area have caused more problems for United than his rapid reflexes have fixed.
With Dean Henderson expected to sign for Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal and de Gea’s position as first-choice questionable, United would like to bolster their goalkeeping options, if their summer budget would allow.
Alongside Pickford, United are rumoured to have tracked Tottenham-bound David Raya, Anderlecht’s Bart Verbruggen and Bayern Munich’s Jann Sommer, though FC Porto’s Diogo Costa is thought to be their primary target.
The 23-year-old has the kind of rounded modern skillset that would make him an ideal candidate to fit Erik ten Hag’s perfect goalkeeping profile and though the Portuguese star has a release clause of €75m, Porto’s poor financial situation means that he could be acquired for less if United firm up their interest.
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