Chelsea are in the hunt to sign Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after a stunning World Cup in Russia for England, according the London Evening Standard.
The newspaper claims via their website that Chelsea are resigned to losing Thibaut Courtois this summer in a deal worth £35.3million to Real Madrid, however they will not let the Belgium international leave Stamford Bridge without snapping up a replacement first.
It is understood that Pickford, 24, is someone who is very much admired at Chelsea, however the London club accepts the fact that it will be hard to lure the £60,000-a-week (Spotrac) goalkeeper away from Merseyside just a year after his £30million move from Sunderland.
Good move for Chelsea?
Pickford would be a brilliant signing if Chelsea were able to sign him this summer.
England’s number one was in stunning form at the World Cup, making world-class saves in every single round of the competition as the Three Lions equalled their second-best finish at the tournament.
He was also in top form for Everton last term too, keeping 12 clean sheets in 46 appearances across all competitions in what was a very tough campaign for the Merseyside club.
Courtois beat Pickford to the Golden Glove award at the World Cup, but every Englishman will tell you that the Everton shot-stopper was more deserving of the accolade.
This is Futbol rating 10/10
Likely to happen?
In in a nutshell, no.
The London Evening Standard reports that Chelsea know it would be hard to pry Pickford away from Goodison just a year after he signed a five-year contract and the Toffees would demand a huge fee.
His form at the World Cup and Chelsea’s desperation for a replacement for Courtois would drive up Everton’s asking-price even more.
This is Futbol rating 1/10