Chelsea ‘on red alert over Jordan Pickford transfer’ as Everton risk being forced to sell England goalkeeper

FEARS about Everton’s financial position which could force them to sell their prized goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Now in his seventh year at Goodison Park, Pickford arrived from Sunderland for £30million in 2017.

EPA

Since then, he has has established himself as the first choice England goalkeeper with 60 caps.

The Toffees have recently received a last-minute £16million cash injection to cover player wages from prospective new owners 777 Partners, alongside a £200 million loan.

Despite Everton owner Farhad Moshiri reassuring fans that the takeover will be complete, there are concerns about 777 failing to pass the Premier League’s owners and directors test.

This could force Everton into administration and having to sell key players.

Jarrad Branthwaite is a target for Man United who are keen to reinforce their defence.

And according to talkSPORT, Chelsea are eyeing up Jordan Pickford to be their new No1 next season.

The Blues have struggled to nail down a consistent keeper, following the departure of Thibaut Courtois in 2018 to Real Madrid.

Since then, Chelsea have signed four goalkeepers with the current man between the sticks being Serbian international Djordje Petrovic.

Despite Chelsea’s struggles this season, Petrovic has been relatively impressive, with three clean sheets in 18

However, Mauricio Pochettino could opt for a more experienced goalkeeper.

In 35 appearances this season in the Premier League, Pickford has kept 12 clean sheets and would be an appealing option for Chelsea, especially amid Everton’s financial instability.

Dave Kidd: Why I’ve voted for Cole Palmer to be Footballer of the Year despite Chelsea woes

By Dave Kidd

THE voting for the Footballer of the Year award closes on Tuesday and, unlike many, I’ve gone for Cole Palmer.

Most Football Writers’ Association members vote by starting with the likely Prem champs and work backwards. So the winner will be Phil Foden, Rodri, Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard.

There is dissent if a player from a less successful team wins, like David Ginola from mid-table Spurs in Manchester United’s ’99 Treble- winning year.

But enjoying a superb individual season in a poor team is a greater achievement.

And for Palmer — just 21 and in his first season as a regular starter — to have chalked up 23 goals and 13 assists in such a basket-case team as Chelsea, makes him this season’s outstanding player.

Read Dave Kidd’s full column here

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