Chelsea may want to rethink their reported pursuit of Jordan Pickford.
Earlier today, Frank Lampard hinted that the Everton goalkeeper was on the verge of renewing his deal.
Pickford’s contract does not expire until 2024, but Lampard wants to be sure that his key players are around for the potential relegation fight.
Everton find themselves just a point and a place above the drop zone heading into the Premier League restart post-World Cup.
Strangely, they have actually conceded one of the fewest number of goals (17) in the division, bettering fourth and fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
The Toffees are also equal with Liverpool and Chelsea in terms of leaking goals.
This decent defensive record can be owed in part to Pickford, who has made the second highest number of saves (60) this season.
It is therefore now surprise that the England international is wanted, and more importantly needed, at Goodison Park for the rest of the campaign.
Frank Lampard lifts the lid on Jordan Pickford
“Close, that’s the update for you. All good,” replied Lampard when asked about his £30m ‘keeper’s contract situation.
“No (I can’t expand on that), hopefully we are in a situation where we want the players to stay and they want to stay here. It’s always been the feeling, so we are very close.”
In fairness to Pickford, he would be excused for wanting to leave through the Everton exit door.
Staring the threat of dropping into the Championship in the face cannot be enticing situation to be in.
Especially when there is apparent interest from European hopefuls Chelsea.
Todd Boehly has seemingly identified Pickford as a possible replacement for Edouard Mendy or Kepa Arrizabalaga.
It’s been said that neither of Graham Potter’s gloved guardians have done enough to impress the manager or the heirehcy.
With January just around the corner, there could well be a goalie shuffle on our hands.
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