Everton are at the front of the race to sign Jordan Pickford.
According to a report in The Sun the Sunderland keeper is Ronald Koeman’s first choice keeper as he plans a big shake up based around a strong British base.
Pickford has been blameless in Sunderland’s miserable season and will be sold as soon as relegation to The Championship has been confirmed.
Koeman has been linked with Fraser Forster but Southampton are in a far stronger negotiating position with Everton impressed by the reports on Pickford following his return from injury.
Everton are hopeful that they can get the keeper for around £20m and can offer instant first team football in World Cup year.
Koeman is also confident of winning the race for Burnley’s Michael Keane who is being lined up to play alongside Ashley Williams in central defence as the Goodison side make a determined bid to break into the top four and earn a Champions League place.