Everton's No.1 goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has 'clubs closely monitoring his situation', according to new reports.
Pickford, who joined Everton from his boyhood club Sunderland in 2017 for £30m, has just two years left on his current deal at Goodison Park.
The England international has enjoyed mixed fortunes during his time on Merseyside. But despite cementing himself as England's first-choice shot-stopper under manager Gareth Southgate, Pickford has attracted large bouts of criticism for his over-eagerness and capacity to make mistakes during his time at the Blues.
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However, the 28-year-old appears to have matured in recent seasons and evidently developed under the stewardship of Frank Lampard since he took over Rafa Benitez as Everton manager in January. Pickford played an instrumental role in the Toffees narrowly escaping relegation to the Championship last term.
And it's those assured and composed displays that appear to have put Manchester United on alert, with David de Gea turning 32 later this year. The Spaniard's current contract expires next summer, however United have the option to extend it by a further year if they wish to do so.
But with United's wage bill reaching an eye-watering £384m last season, according to reports earlier this week, Old Trafford officials are faced with the decision on whether to hand their long-serving, £350,000 per-week-earning goalkeeper an extension or move him on to pastures new.
Reports emerged from the Telegraph on Saturday morning, where Mike McGrath listed Manchester United as potential suitors for Pickford if they decided to move De Gea on next summer.
With the former Sunderland man having less than two years left on his current contract at Goodison Park and yet to agree fresh with the Blues, despite reports earlier this summer suggesting Everton were keen to do so, Pickford appears to have admirers at Old Trafford.
"They are currently assessing their long-term plan and a change of No 1 could bring the likes of England and Everton’s Jordan Pickford into the frame," reported McGrath on Saturday morning.
"Pickford, 28, has clubs carefully monitoring his situation at Everton as he will have just one season left on his contract at the end of the campaign. He is also a homegrown player, which appeals to clubs, and returned to his best form earlier this season in the draw against Liverpool before being struck by a thigh injury."
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