Everton yet to sign-off contract deal for Chelsea target Jordan Pickford.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has explained why Everton and England international Jordan Pickford would prefer to join Manchester United over Chelsea.
The Blues have been linked with a move for the 28-year-old with Graham Potter considering selling both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy. The former has become the number one for the club after having lost that place to Mendy a few years back.
United too are believed to be looking for a new goalkeeper with current first-choice David de Gea in his 30s and prone to an error every now and then. Pickford could be open to joining a Champions League club like us, but James believes otherwise.
Speaking to GG Recon (h/t Metro), the former Reds keeper explained why a move to United over Chelsea would make sense for the Everton keeper.
“It’s a no-brainer for me that he’s good enough to play for a team such as Chelsea or Manchester City. Would he go to Chelsea? Kepa has shown that he’s capable of being a top player in a top team.
“Why not Manchester United? Jordan Pickford plays for Everton and Manchester United are just down the road. If he went there, his off-field disruption would be minimal compared to whether he moved down to London.”
Pickford has been the Three Lions’ number one for some time now, with the 28-year-old helping his country reach the semi-finals in the 2018 World Cup and the finals of the 2020 Euros. His form when playing for England has been impressive, something that cannot be said the same for club level.
The Toffees have been flirting with relegation for the past couple of seasons and a top-class keeper like the 28-year-old would be better off competing for silverware elsewhere. While both Chelsea and United are currently undergoing a transformation, both the clubs can still offer him a chance of winning trophies.
But the Blues have one advantage over their rivals and that is Champions League football. This is something that could entice the ‘keeper to choose us over our rivals and it will be wise for the club to point this out during the negotiations if there will be any.
A regular for his club, Pickford will have to compete for a place with either Kepa or Mendy here in west London. If he is willing to do so, it will be wise for Potter to make a move for him in January but it is still unimaginable to have all three on our books at the same time.
It would be a surprise if the Toffees allow their first-choice keeper to leave mid-season, but if the Blues can come up with a concrete offer, then anything can happen.
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