Stephen Dunmoye
Manchester United goalkeeper, David De Gea’s long-term future has been called into question for some time now, as he has less than a year left to run on his Old Trafford contract.
It was reported that the Red Devils are potentially willing to allow De Gea to walk out of the door for nothing next summer, which would save the club a hefty chunk in wages.
De Gea pockets £350,000 per week at Old Trafford, with only Cristiano Ronaldo earning more, but club chiefs have been left dissatisfied with his early-season performances.
Meanwhile, Everton’s number one Jordan Pickford was considered as their ideal successor to David de Gea.
Erik ten Hag is said to be keen to instil a number one that is confident with the ball at his feet and able to play out from the back, and there have been question marks over De Gea’s competence in the department.
As a result, the report claims that Everton shot-stopper Pickford has emerged as a potential transfer target, as the England number one has demonstrated his proficiency in playing the sweeper-keeper role.
Pickford has spent the last five years at Goodison Park after securing a £25m move from Sunderland in 2017, and he has kept 55 clean sheets in 205 games for Everton in that time.
The 28-year-old has also starred for England at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, but Everton are in a precarious position, as his contract is due to expire in 2024.
However, Frank Lampard has confirmed that Everton and Pickford are in talks over a new contract, and he is hopeful that an agreement can be reached “very quickly”.
According to Lampard, “The club is speaking with Jordan. He is a massive player for us, everyone wants him to stay and Jordan is very happy here.”
“Maybe it is one for the craziness of the window to shut in a couple of weeks and in the cold, calm light of day we can get it done very quickly.”