Jordan Pickford believes in Everton, the club's supporters and the Sean Dyche project according to his new manager.
England's number one is looking increasingly likely to pen a new contract with the Blues despite facing another relegation battle and attracting interest from clubs fighting for Champions League qualification. Dyche welcomed the progress in negotiations and said that, while talks began long before his appointment, he had pitched his vision for the future to Pickford.
The new Blues boss said: "He made it very clear to me very early. I tried to speak to as many players as I could, and he made it very clear that he was happy here generally with his life and his football life. I tried to assure him that he would be given a very good platform here to play and develop and I think he’s bought into that. It’s a good sign for all."
READ MORE: Sean Dyche sets out Dominic Calvert-Lewin plan as Everton striker ruled out of Aston Villa clash
EXCLUSIVE: Steven Defour reveals private Amadou Onana talks and busts Sean Dyche myth at Everton
Pickford's current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024 and his proximity to the final 12 months has led to speculation about his future. Reports over recent months have linked him to clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, where he could be seen as a potential long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris. Talks to extend his stay on Merseyside began under Frank Lampard, who gave the goalkeeper the captain's armband for the first time in his career and hailed his spectacular stop from Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta last season as the save of the Premier League era.
The discussions became protracted due to the World Cup but Pickford is thought to have always been keen to commit his future to the club. Lampard's departure does not appear to have changed his mind, with sources close to both the player and the club confident a deal is moving closer. The club's current position has also not proved to be a major deterrent, while any new deal is not expected to include a relegation release clause.
Speaking at Finch Farm on Thursday, Dyche offered an overview of his discussions with the player and said: "I haven’t spoken with him too much in depth about it but I would imagine he’s happy at the club in general. His family life as well is always important... He’s England’s number one, that’s good for him as well as the club. There are a lot of things in place and it’s refreshing for us because we’ve only been here a short period of time and the negotiations have carried on. It’s a mixture of everything. But I believe the most thing is that he’s happy here and he believes in the club and he believes in the fans here and he enjoys playing here."
Their conversation included an overview of what Dyche believes Pickford can continue to offer the club, and how he can grow - both as a player and a figurehead for Everton. Pickford started the season as captain for the Blues while Seamus Coleman recovered from surgery having been handed the armband for the first time against Dyche's Burnley in a 3-2 loss at Turf Moor last season.
Dyche said: "With his shot stopping ability, his game knowledge, he is super fast around his box, all these things that you already know, becoming that club elder statesman, keepers have that feel about them that resonates around the stadium. Adding that to his game. Some of it comes with natural maturation. You get older, you get different characteristics, you’re a bit wiser and they all rub off on you. Particularly for keepers. He was playing at a young age, the experiences that he’s had, they mould you into being more professional. I think he’s still on that journey. What is he? 28? There’s still plenty of football in that when you’re a keeper particularly, he’s kind of midway through. Keepers play longer. He’s become rounded as well, not just the technical parts, he’s becoming more rounded as a keeper and that’s what we want him to do. I’ve already spoken to him about that."
READ NEXT
Steven Defour opens up on private Onana talks and busts myth over Sean Dyche
Everton and Leeds United hit with FA charge after Goodison Park 'mass confrontation'
Sean Coleman makes honest Everton admission and sends relegation plea to fans
Jordan Pickford close to signing new contract in huge boost for Everton
