Chelsea have stepped up their efforts in signing a new goalkeeper as Graham Potter looks for possible replacements for Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The west Londoners are set to closely monitor the performances of Everton star and England international Jordan Pickford at the World Cup, according to reports.
Potter is said to be in the market for a new shot-stopper, with Mendy and Kepa both facing increasingly uncertain futures at the club. Since replacing former head coach Thomas Tuchel in the dugout at Stamford Bridge, both keepers have been handed opportunities but neither has managed to fully impress.
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Kepa was opted for at the beginning of Potter's tenure and guided Chelsea through a nine-game unbeaten streak. But, after conceding three goals in 45 minutes to Brighton and picking up a knock, Mendy was given the chance to impress.
The Senegal international has failed to do such and it remains to be seen whether he or the Spaniard can meet the demands of Potter's philosophy. So, according to The Sun, the Blues have begun to consider signing a new goalkeeper.
The report states that Potter has prioritised bringing David Raya to Stamford Bridge. The Brentford shot-stopper has impressed during in his time in west London, earning a place in the Spain World Cup squad.
But, it's believed that Raya's asking price is 'expected to cost a considerable amount' with Thomas Frank's side unwilling to sell the Spaniard on the cheap. So, Chelsea are keeping tabs on a more affordable option in the shape of Pickford.
The 28-year-old - who has regularly impressed for the Three Lions in recent years and has looked more solid under Frank Lampard at Everton - is set to star for England in Qatar as Gareth Southgate looks to guide his side to glory after missing out to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
Pickford, who is currently valued at €20million (£17.4million) by CIES Football Observatory, sees his deal at Goodison Park expire in 2024. He looks to be the cheaper option than Reya but Frank Lampard has confirmed that talks over a new contract in Merseyside will begin sooner rather than later.
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