Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has said any potential transfer must wait until after the U21 European Championship amid speculation of a move to Everton.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper has been linked with a £30million move to Goodison Park this summer after he was relegated with his boyhood side Sunderland, but the Toffees may have to show some patience to secure a deal.
In an interview with the Express, the young stalwart has said his focus will be on the upcoming U21 European Championship and not on a potential move.
He said: “I have spoken to my agent and told him that I just want to concentrate on the Euros.
“You have to take (the transfer speculation) as a compliment. I have just got to keep concentrating on myself.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman is looking to add to his selection of goalkeepers this summer, with 58-time-capped Dutch international Maarten Stekelenburg and Spanish stopper Joel Robles fighting it out last season.
Pickford meanwhile established himself as Sunderland’s number one ahead of former Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone, going on to make 29 appearances and picking up plaudits for a number of impressive performances during the campaign.
His displays for the North East side also earned him a place in the senior England squad, although he is yet to earn his first cap.
However, the goalkeeper’s bright performances could not prevent the Black Cats, the club where he has been a player from just the age of eight, from suffering relegation last season, and it is widely expected he will make a move to remain in the top flight.
Pickford says he knows he has shown his ability, but insists he will be focused on keeping his high standards up wherever he might end up.
“I have had a good season but it is about doing it next season, the season after that and then the one after that,” he told the Express.
“But what will be will be.”