Everton’s goalkeeping department is set for a significant week.
Andy Lonergan was offered a new contract by the club, but his position is yet to be confirmed as his current deal enters its final days.
Meanwhile, events at Old Trafford could lead to Jordan Pickford becoming the subject of more substantial interest - though the England number one is happy at Everton.
Both situations are set against the backdrop of Asmir Begovic’s departure. An able deputy to Pickford he was offered a deal but has since suggested he was open to remaining on Merseyside but not on the terms put forward by the club.
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Pickford has been outstanding for club and country and, over the past two seasons, has produced stand-out performances that have been crucial to keeping Everton in the Premier League. His sensational stop from Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta was awarded the title ‘save of the season’ for the 2021/22 campaign and helped Everton to the win that kickstarted that successful battle against relegation. Last season, his penalty save from James Maddison of Leicester City was even more important and was pivotal to Everton’s survival at the expense of the Foxes.
Pickford is settled at Everton, where he has risen to become the vice captain to Seamus Coleman. Yet his performances have led to reports of interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, both of whom are addressing goalkeeping issues after a long period of stability in that position. Spurs appear to be closing on Guglielmo Vicario from Italian side Empoli. Man Utd are locked in negotiations with De Gea, though, whose contract is due to expire at the end of this month. If a deal cannot be struck then Erik ten Hag could overlook current back-up Dean Henderson in favour of a new keeper and Pickford is one of the potential options linked with the club, along with Inter Milan’s Andre Onana.
It is far from certain that Man Utd will engage in a pursuit of Pickford, whose representatives considered the speculation around the club’s interest as simply ‘noise’ earlier this week. But the club will move a long way towards understanding what it needs to do on that area this week and, should de Gea leave Manchester, the situation could lead to concrete interest in Pickford. Should that happen, the offer of Champions League football and Everton’s financial situation - the club appearing to face a summer in which funds will be tight but in which improvements are desperately needed - will be important background issues.
Lonergan is yet to make a senior appearance for Everton and has spent his time at the club as the third choice goalkeeper. His contribution is highly valued though and Sean Dyche named him on the bench for the final games of last season out of respect for his commitment and professionalism.
The standards set by Lonergan and Begovic in training have been labelled by Everton coaching staff as key factors in Pickford’s form over recent seasons. With Begovic having already departed, the loss of Lonergan - should he turn down the deal that has been offered - would cause significant disruption to a goalkeeping unit that has been the most successful part of the Everton squad over two difficult years. The search for a number two to replace Begovic - whether that be through the transfer market or the fleet of young goalkeepers looking to step up at the club - has already begun. Lonergan provides much-needed stability and experience that will be important for whoever settles into that role - something that will become even more crucial should Pickford’s future come into question.
