RAFA BENITEZ is open to selling keeper Jordan Pickford to raise funds at Everton — but the asking price makes that hard. The Toffees boss is stuck with the current failing squad because he has no money to spend unless he wheels and deals next month. England No 1 Pickford, 27, is the club’s biggest asset […]
RAFA BENITEZ is open to selling keeper Jordan Pickford to raise funds at Everton — but the asking price makes that hard.
The Toffees boss is stuck with the current failing squad because he has no money to spend unless he wheels and deals next month.
England No 1 Pickford, 27, is the club’s biggest asset but they price him at around £30million.
The Goodison star is also on about £100,000-a-week wages, with his contract running until 2024.
Tottenham have looked at the figures and although they could match his salary, the fee on top makes it an expensive transfer.
Pickford arrived at Goodison Park in the summer of 2017 for a fee of £25million rising to £30m in add-ons.
And the Toffees have got their moneys worth as he has played 172 times for the club over a five-season period.
But he has been somewhat inconsistent at times, appearing to relish the international stage more.
He has been Gareth Southgate’s first choice since before the 2018 World Cup.
And he endeared himself to the Three Lions fans with a crucial save in the penalty shoot-out against Colombia.
He then did the same against Italy in the final of the Euros, but this time could not prevent England from being beaten.
FREE BETS: GET THE LATEST BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS AND FREE BETS
Meanwhile, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri confirmed Rafa Benitez will NOT be sacked in the immediate future.
According to talkSPORT host Jim White, Moshiri sent a text that read: “Football is about crisis one day and glory the following day. Rafa is a good manager and underperformance is largely due to the injuries.
“Next two weeks, we will get to a full squad and, in the meantime, results will improve.
“Rafa needs time to have his mark on the squad. He will be supported to add depth to the squad. Managers need time.
“I have no doubt that we will have a strong second-half to the season.”
Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
