Antonio Conte is ‘keeping an eye on Jordan Pickford’ as Tottenham boss considers move for the Everton and England goalkeeper, with No 1 Hugo Lloris in the final year of his contract
- Tottenham Hotspur are looking at long term replacements for Hugo Lloris
- The Frenchman though could still extend his deal beyond the 2021-22 season
- Antonio Conte wants a homegrown option, with Jordan Pickford topping the bill
- Everton however would demand a high fee for the England goalkeeper
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly weighing up a potential move for Jordan Pickford as new manager Antonio Conte looks to start his rebuild in north London.
Spurs are on the lookout for a goalkeeper with current No 1 Hugo Lloris out of contract at the end of the season.
The Frenchman’s deal will see him complete ten years at Spurs although the 34-year-old could still extend his contract beyond the end of the 2021-22 campaign.
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte (left) is reportedly monitoring Everton keeper Jordan Pickford
Either way, Conte still wants a new goalkeeper that can either replace Lloris or compete for the No 1 jersey with him next term.
According to the Telegraph, Pickford is among the high profile candidates in the frame for Conte who wants a homegrown option.
The 27-year-old has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current Everton deal but the Toffees will not allow the England No 1 to leave cheaply and would expect a substantial profit on the £25million they paid Sunderland in 2017.
Hugo Lloris is in the last year of his deal at Spurs although could still commit further
Everton though could be tempted to sell with manager Rafa Benitez admitting financial fair play rules were ‘killing his side’ back in the summer, and Pickford’s departure would enable the Toffees freedom to spend in strengthening other areas of the squad.
Pickford’s reputation has increased since his arrival on Merseyside, playing a key role in England’s march to the World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020 final.
At the European Championship he kept five clean sheets before saving two penalties in the shootout against Italy despite defeat in the Wembley final.
Spurs had signed Pierluigi Gollini in the summer on loan from Atalanta under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo but he has failed to show form worthy enough of challenging for the No 1 spot during his appearances in the League Cup and the Conference League thus far.
Pickford was key for England in their runs to the World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final