Club have now lined up £10m replacement for Chelsea target in fear of losing him this summer

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Everton have now lined up Sam Johnstone as a replacement for Chelsea target Jordan Pickford as the Toffees fear losing the England international.

That is according to The Sun.

So, what are the details involving Chelsea and Jordan Pickford? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the 29-year-old does not seem to be a primary target for Mauricio Pochettino, but he is on the shortlist nonetheless by the sounds of it.

Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports told Give Me Sport that Chelsea would look at Pickford as a potential signing if the Blues managed to offload Edouard Mendy this summer.

The Senegal international is now closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia, so Chelsea are expected to start looking for a replacement to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Sun believe Manchester United are also keen on Pickford, with Everton now considering a move to trigger Johnstone’s £10m release clause in fear of their No.1 leaving Goodison Park.

Pickford played a key role in keeping Everton away from the Championship last season, recording eight clean sheets in 37 Premier League appearances.

Pickford may not fancy Chelsea risk

In our view, Pickford may not want to move to Stamford Bridge just 12 months before EURO 2024 begins.

The Sunderland-born glovesman would be expected to compete with Kepa at Chelsea, and if his arrival suddenly sparks a run of strong performances from the Spaniard, Pickford could find himself sidelined for months as a No.2 option, like Mendy did last term.

If that happened, Gareth Southgate could end up choosing Nick Pope or Johnstone for EURO 2024 next summer.

Therefore, Pickford may prefer to stay at Everton, or move to a club where he will definitely start every week.

Nevertheless, anything could happen this summer, so make sure to keep an eye on developments at Chelsea.