Everton are eyeing a move for Crystal Palace star Sam Johnstone if Jordan Pickford joins Manchester United.
The Red Devils are keen to bring in a goalkeeper over the summer transfer window, with David de Gea increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford. The Spaniard is out of contract and United will only extend his stay if he agrees to sign on for much-reduced wages.
De Gea had a mixed season, winning the Premier League's Golden Glove award, but failing to convince Erik ten Hag he can be the Dutchman's long-term first-choice. That has led to United exploring alternatives to the 32-year-old.
Among them is Pickford, who has become England's standout goalkeeper since joining Everton in 2017. But with the Toffees having slipped into being perennial relegation battlers, their star players are attracting interest.
As a result, the Merseyside team are preparing for a busy summer themselves, with a new keeper needed if Pickford does move to Manchester. According to The Sun, Johnstone is top of their shortlist of replacements.
Johnstone struggled for game-time at Crystal Palace in the opening months of his debut season at Selhurst Park. But he took over as the Eagles' first-choice between the sticks for the final nine games of the Premier League campaign.
The Englishman previously attracted the eye at West Brom, where he won their Supporters' Player and Players' Player when the Baggies were relegated from the top-flight in 2021. He joined Palace on a free transfer last summer and could be on the move yet again.
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He has three years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, though there is thought to be a £10million release clause in his deal. Everton could activate that if Pickford departs Goodison Park for United.
While Johnstone is settled in London, he has family ties to the North West having come through United's academy. That is said to make a potential move to Merseyside easier, if Everton come calling.
That looks increasingly likely with United making Pickford a priority transfer as they eye a new keeper themselves. Inter Milan's Andre Onana and Porto's Diogo Costa are also on their shopping list.
Pickford still has four years remaining on his contract, having only signed a new deal with Everton in February. When he signed that contract, the Englishman insisted he wanted to build a legacy, though it appears Everton are preparing for his departure.
“It’s massive to sign this new contract at such a special club for me. I’m happy here and so are my family. We love it at Everton. It’s definitely my aim to be successful at this club. I just want to keep working hard and performing for Everton," he said at the time.
“This contract will take me to more than 10 years at Everton and I want to build a legacy here to put myself up there with the likes of Neville Southall to be one of the best keepers to have played for Everton.”
