17 June 2023 , 20:15
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England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remains a leading candidate to replace David de Gea at Old Trafford, with Manchester United readying a £45million bid.
Pickford has been at Everton since 2017, when he joined from boyhood club Sunderland. He signed a new contract with the Merseyside club in February, but that hasn't been enough to cool United's interest.
According to The Daily Star, United's interest in Pickford comes amid worries De Gea will not agree to new reduced terms. The Spaniard has yet to put pen to paper on a new two-year deal which would see his wages drop from £375,000 per week to £200,000.
United boss Erik ten Hag is looking for a new keeper who can blend shot-stopping and distribution. This has led him to Pickford, who played a big part in Everton's Premier League survival last season.
Sean Dyche's side need to balance the books this summer, with a worrying financial situation continuing to cast a shadow over Goodison Park despite relegation being averted on the final day of the season. A 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in their home closer did the job, allowing them to finish two points clear of 18th-place Leicester City.
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While a £200,000-per-week deal would represent a drop for De Gea, it would see Pickford double his current wages. Tottenham have also looked at Pickford as they seek a replacement for wantaway captain Hugo Lloris, though The Star notes that United's Champions League qualification could put them at an advantage.
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England keeper Pickford is in high demand (The FA via Getty Images)Another keeper on the radar of both United and Spurs is David Raya. The Brentford stopper, who has impressed since joining the London side when they were still in the Championship, would command a similar fee and has dropped the biggest hint yet that he is open to a move.
"I have ambitions to make the next step in my career," Raya told The Times. "I want to try to win titles and to compete in Europe in the next couple of years.
"I'm 27 now and I feel like I'm at the point in my career when I want to make that step up. There are options out there but it's not just my ambitions, the club also needs to let me go."
"I will always feel close to this team. Being part of the promotion to the Premier League is something I will never forget. I know there are rumours about me leaving. There are some options for me to go but obviously Brentford are asking for a lot of money. That could make clubs not want to buy me, it could make them look somewhere else."