Chelsea have reportedly highlighted Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a possible incoming during the upcoming January transfer window.
The 29-year-old has been the first-choice stopper at Goodison Park since making the switch from Sunderland in the summer of 2017, featuring 249 times for the Merseysiders.
Pickford has helped Everton avoid an unthinkable relegation to the Championship during the past two seasons, with the former Black Cat keeping eight clean sheets in 37 league starts last term.
The ex-Preston North End loanee has also cemented himself as first choice for England manager Gareth Southgate, earning 56 caps for the Three Lions since making his debut in December 2015.
According to 90min, Chelsea have added Pickford to a list of goalkeeping options ahead of the transfer window opening in the New Year, with the Blues constantly looking to improve their squad.
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It is understood that Everton have no intention of selling their first-choice stopper in January, and that it would take a significant bid for any potential suitor to see the player depart Goodison Park.
The report claims that although signing a new goalkeeper is not a priority for the West Londoners in the near future, the club are casting their net far and wide in search for long-term options in between the sticks.
It is believed that the Blues had scouts in attendance at San Mames Barria on the weekend, with the Premier League club monitoring the progress of keepers Unai Simon and Giorgi Mamardashvili from Athletic Bilbao and Valencia respectively.
Georgia international Mamardashvili has been on the radar of Chelsea for a while, and with the Valencia man only 23 years of age, he could develop into a first-team regular for the Blues for many years to come.
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is also of interest to Mauricio Pochettino's men, who are keeping a keen eye on the Englishman's situation, with David Raya seemingly taking over duties as first-choice stopper at the Emirates Stadium this season.
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It is said that the former Sheffield United man is willing to fight for his place under Mikel Arteta, however that stance could soften as the term approaches January, with the 25-year-old desperate to earn a spot on the plane to Euro 2024 with England.
Robert Sanchez is currently Pochettino's preferred man in between the sticks for the Blues, with Dorde Petrovic acting as the Spaniard's deputy after joining from MLS side New England Revolution in the summer.
The West Londoners have Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan at Real Madrid for the remainder of the season, and it remains to be seen whether the ex-Bilbao stopper has a future at Stamford Bridge.
After keeping back-to-back clean sheets in wins over West Ham United and Burnley, Pickford and his Everton teammates will be looking to continue their good form when they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.
Carter White
