Everton and Jordan Pickford are closing is on an agreement over a new contract, the ECHO understands.
Talks have been taking place for months with the England number one, who has always displayed a willingness to extend his stay on Merseyside. Final details are now being discussed as a deal looks increasingly likely.
Progress will be a significant boost for Everton and new manager Sean Dyche as work continues to keep the club in the Premier League. Speculation had mounted over the 28-year-old’s future with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs rumoured to hold an interest in his services.
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Pickford’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024. Efforts to lengthen his time at Goodison Park began in the aftermath of his heroics last season.
As Everton fought for their top flight survival Pickford emerged as a leader and talisman. He produced crucial displays against Chelsea and Leicester City, including what became credited as the save of the season from Cesar Azpilicueta in the win over Chelsea that sparked Everton’s escape from trouble. Frank Lampard, who named Pickford captain for the first time in his career when the Blues travelled to Burnley in March, later described that save as the greatest of the Premier League era.
Pickford started the season as captain while club captain Seamus Coleman recovered from summer surgery and produced another superb performance in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. His brilliant reflex save from Willian in a goalless draw at Fulham further enhanced his importance to the side.
Talks have stuttered over the months, the World Cup break and Lampard’s departure both factors, but a new deal is now understood to be close. It will come as a much-needed slice of good news for Everton, who were reportedly set to come under pressure in the summer by clubs targeting Pickford.
Instead, should the deal be concluded, he could be the goalkeeper who leads Everton out at the club’s new stadium for the first time.
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