Chelsea are reportedly considering a surprise move for Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford following the World Cup.
The England number one has spent the last five years at Goodison Park since making the move from Sunderland in 2017, racking up 213 appearances for the Toffees.
Pickford has kept 57 clean sheets for the Merseyside club in that time, including three shutouts from 14 matches in the 2022-23 Premier League season.
The 28-year-old has also established himself as the Three Lions' undisputed number one, starring at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 under Gareth Southgate.
Pickford is currently away with England preparing for the 2022 World Cup, where he will expect to keep Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope at bay to retain the number one jersey.
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Speculation over Pickford's future is starting to intensify, though, as he is only contracted to Frank Lampard's side until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for the ex-Sunderland man as they scope out possible replacements for David de Gea, who could leave as a free agent next summer.
The Red Devils could face stiff competition to seal a deal for Pickford, though, as The Sun claims that Chelsea are also weighing up a potential move.
The Blues have seen Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy battle for the number one jersey since the latter arrived from Rennes last year, with Kepa often being restricted to the bench.
Mendy started the 2022-23 season as Thomas Tuchel's number one, but Graham Potter has preferred Kepa in between the sticks, and the Spaniard has produced a number of competent performances this term.
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Having lost his place in the first XI, Mendy is thought to be considering his future at Stamford Bridge, leading Todd Boehly to turn to the transfer market to search for possible replacements.
The report adds that Chelsea co-owner Boehly will keep a close eye on Pickford's performances during the World Cup, with the Englishman earmarked as a top alternative to Brighton & Hove Albion's Robert Sanchez.
Potter is thought to be keen on a reunion with Sanchez at Stamford Bridge, but bringing the Spaniard to the English capital would be a more expensive operation, as Brighton will supposedly hold out for a "huge" fee.
On the other hand, Everton are apparently prepared to offload Pickford, who could be tempted by the chance to play in the Champions League, although he is in no rush to leave Goodison Park.
Pickford will expect to start when England kick off their bid for World Cup glory against Iran in Monday's opening Group B match.
Ben Knapton
