LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: A minutes applause is held in memory of those who lost their lives in 2021 ahead of the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park on January 02, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Manchester United are set to target Everton star Jordan Pickford if David De Gea leaves Old Trafford, according to the Daily Star.
The Daily Star report on 11 May, that United is still locked in talks with the Spaniard, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. It’s believed the Premier League giants are seeking a reduction on De Gea’s £375,000-a-week wages.
It’s understood club bosses want the 32-year-old to stay but Erik ten Hag has been assessing his options as he looks to turn United into genuine title contenders.
Pickford, along with Anderlecht keeper Bart Verbruggen, is being considered. Despite recently signing a new deal, it’s understood the England international is expected to leave Goodison Park if the Toffees are relegated.
Furthermore, even if Everton survives, United can offer the 29-year-old bigger wages and the chance to compete for trophies.
Stay up
Everton must ensure they stay up in order to give themselves the best chance of keeping Pickford. His new contract was required to protect the Toffees with his old deal set to expire in the summer of 2024. The 29-year-old has been brilliant during the last two seasons and was instrumental in keeping the club in the Premier League.
Sean Dyche will be hoping for something similar during Everton’s last three matches against Manchester City, Wolves, and Bournemouth. Sunday’s clash against City will certainly keep the England international busy and he will have to be at his best if the Toffees want a positive result.
It seems the board will have a fight on their hands during the off-season to keep hold of Pickford. He won’t play in the Championship, which means avoiding relegation is of paramount importance. It’s a similar scenario for a lot of Everton’s players. The astronomical wage bill will need to be reduced and that could lead to a number of high earners departing.
