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Everton may face battle to keep Pickford

By Matt Townsend

SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Jordan Pickford of England looks on after a save during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 07: Jordan Pickford of England looks on after a save during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea are apparently eying up a move for Everton keeper Jordan Pickford if the London club lose Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid.

Sky Sports are claiming that Chelsea will make a move for the young Everton goalkeeper when or if Courtois leaves Stamford Bridge.

It’s not a surprise that Pickford is attracting interest from other clubs given his outstanding performances for England at the World Cup. The 24-year-old former Sunderland shot-stopper was one of the best players in an England shirt this summer.

These days of course as soon as a player has a good run of form in a high-profile tournament, rumours of a big money move to another club are bound to start circulating.

One of Pickford’s biggest strengths is his ability on the ball. With more teams perhaps considering playing out from the back in part maybe due to Manchester City’s success last season, goalkeepers who are comfortable and competent in possession are highly sought after.

Obviously Everton have to resist any attempts to prise him away from Goodison Park. But it might be difficult if Chelsea are willing to offer a significantly better personal package to the player.

One thing that might help Everton is that Chelsea can’t offer Champions League football, which is usually a major incentive for a player to seek a move to another club.

Anyway let’s hope that Pickford doesn’t have his head turned by Chelsea’s alleged interest and commits to staying at Everton. If the Blues were to lose him he would prove very difficult, if not impossible, to replace.

Another transfer rumour that has been bobbing along for a few weeks involving the Blues and Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, has taken a slightly strange turn.

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The Ivory Coast international has taken to social media writing a cryptic few lines intimating he might be making a decision that could be seen as him indicating he will be moving away from Selhurst Park.

The Daily Mail claim that Everton and Borussia Dortmand are the two clubs leading any race for Zaha’s signature and that Palace will demand around £60 million for him.

However Chelsea are also supposedly interested in Zaha too and would represent very strong competition if they were to enter any bidding war.

Although Zaha’s price tag is very high, I actually think that signing him would represent a great coup and underline the Blues commitment to really trying to break the ceiling of Champions League qualification.

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