Maarten Stekelenburg is interesting Lille but Everton want to keep him
Everton are hoping to hold off the advances of Lille for veteran goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
The Liverpool Echo has revealed that the Ligue Un side want to lure the 35-year-old across the English channel this summer.
Stekelenburg would likely be keen on earning a spot in their team, and should earn more minutes in France than he will as back-up at Goodison Park.
However, Everton don’t want to let the Dutch international leave as the only alternative they will have to World Cup star Jordan Pickford will be the untested but highly rated Matesz Hewelt.
Stekelenburg was the first signing of Ronald Koeman’s ultimately ill-fated 18-month spell in charge of the Blues.
The shot stopper hasn’t played for the Toffees since September, however, owing to Pickford’s superb club form and a lengthy groin problem.
He has featured 24 times for Everton in the past two seasons, and has kept seven clean sheets in that time.
Stekelenburg’s career is winding down though and he may want to play first-team football while he still can.
He is expected to start in goal for Everton’s first pre-season fixture this summer, with Austrian minnows ATV Irdning the opponents on Saturday.
The chances of him being allowed to leave Merseyside are very slim as Everton need his services until Pickford’s return.
The England keeper is not expected back at Finch Farm until 4th August – just five days before the English transfer window closes.
Stekelenburg could yet depart after that date for Lille, but any sale will depend on if Marco Silva can bring in a replacement in the next month.
Another possible option in goal – Joel Robles – was released on a free transfer and has signed for Real Betis already.
That would leave Hewelt as the only back-up option to Pickford if Stekelenburg left, but the 21-year-old has no senior experience under his belt.
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That would be problematic if Pickford ever got injured, so Stekelenburg shouldn’t be going unless Everton get an offer they cannot refuse.