It would be a flawed strategy to think that Everton could improve their squad by selling Jordan Pickford. And Sean Dyche should do all he can to keep England’s number one at Goodison Park if at all possible.
A report from the Daily Star claims that Manchester United are preparing to make a £45million offer for Pickford with their long-time first choice David De Gea now just a fortnight away from becoming a free agent after turning down a new two-year deal on highly reduced terms with his wages slashed from £375,000 to £200,000, although they can supposedly trigger a one-year option in his existing contract. For his part, the England number one has always expressed his happiness at Everton and only penned a new four-and-a-half year contract as recently as February 24.
With Financial Fair Play restrictions continuing to bite at the Blues and funds understood to be tight, the sale of an existing asset looks like the most straightforward way of Everton generating funds for squad rebuilding given that additional attacking options and full-back are priority positions. Realistically, Pickford and Belgium international Amadou Onana, bought from Lille for £33.5million last summer and a player who was reputed to have attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea during the January transfer window, offer the greatest potential for substantial fees.
