Manchester United are reportedly targeting Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a contingency should David de Gea leave the club when his contract expires.
De Gea’s current deal is up this summer, although United do have the option too extend it for another 12 months.
The 32-year-old is expected to put pen to paper on a new contract to remain at Old Trafford following protracted talks.
Reports have suggested that the De Gea has agreed a contract extension in which he would take a pay cut from his current £375,000-a-week wages.
According to the Daily Star, Man United boss Erik ten Hag has continued to look for potential options in the event the Spaniard does not sign a new deal.
Jordan Pickford has reportedly been targeted by Man United should David De Gea leave
De Gea is expected to sign a new deal at Man United but has faced criticism for recent errors
Pickford has reportedly emerged as a contender to succeed De Gea, particularly in the event Everton suffer relegation to the Championship.
The Toffees currently lie outside the bottom three with three matches remaining, but are just two points clear of fellow strugglers Leicester and Leeds.
Relegation would likely see England’s No.1 seek a move away from Goodison Park, despite signing a four-and-a-half year contract extension in February, which committed his future at the club until 2027.
Pickford has impressed for Everton across his 34 appearances in the Premier League this season, amid the club’s battle against relegation.
The 29-year-old has played 234 matches for the club in total since joining from Sunderland for £30million in 2017.
Pickford has been crucial to Everton this season but could seek a move if they are relegated
Pickford has also won 52 England caps after establishing himself as manager Gareth Southgate’s first choice.
Man United have also been linked to highly-rated young Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht as they seek a successor to De Gea.
De Gea’s place in the starting XI has been called into question after recent errors in United’s Europa League exit to Sevilla, as well as his costly mistake in the 1-0 loss to West Ham.
No one has more Premier League clean sheets than De Gea this season, but he has made a number of high-profile mistakes.
