OPINION
Despite being situated on either side of Stanley Park on Merseyside, a mere 17 minute walk, the rivalry between Everton and Liverpool is not as fierce as outsiders might expect.
There is of course local bragging rights, but historically the Reds have been battling it out with Manchester United, with the Merseyside derby a footnote in comparison to the main event.
The Anfield side have also been the more dominant force over the last 25 years and with the emergence of the Premier League and television rights, it means they have been financially better off with a bigger brand identity.
However, the arrival of Farhad Moshiri at Goodison Park last summer looked to change the dynamic in the city, with the Toffees splashing the cash on a number of big name signings which over the season failed to live up to expectation.
One exception was Jordan Pickford, the goalkeeper signed from Sunderland, and his performances have seemingly got one of Europe’s biggest clubs chasing his signing, with the Sun’s Alan Nixon claiming Bayern Munich are tracking him with a view to a shock swoop.
If the 24-year-old were to depart, it would leave Everton seeking another shot stopper, and they could break Liverpool’s hearts in the process.
The Independent claim that Stoke City stalwart Jack Butland is the most likely goalkeeper to arrive at Anfield this summer as Jurgen Klopp seeks a new man between the sticks, but the 6’4″ (source: Transfermarkt) giant would be the ideal replacement for Pickford at the Toffees.
With Stoke being relegated, the 25-year-old will likely be in high demand but it could be a Merseyside battle which dictates his future – and if Pickford heads off for Germany, then Everton best make sure they get one over their local rivals.