Man Utd to make bid for Jordan Pickford after dropping transfer interest in alternative Premier League stopper
MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to move for England No 1 Jordan Pickford whether David de Gea leaves or not.
Boss Eric ten Hag wants a top shotstopper this summer to either rival De Gea or replace him if he does not agree a new contract.
Pickford, 29, is the keeper at the top of their list and Everton may sell at around £30million.
The extrovert was excellent as the Toffees beat the drop but the Merseyside club need money.
England No 1 Pickford would love to play in the Champions League, which is missing from his CV.
Leeds’ Illan Meslier, 23, was United’s initial thought as a long-term successor to De Gea but he was dropped after his form dipped.
De Gea, 32, has yet to sign a new Old Trafford deal but is willing to stay on the right terms.
The Spaniard also had a mixed end to the season and the main interest in him comes from the Middle East.
Spurs are still watching Pickford developments and Aston Villa may also come for him if Argie World Cup-winner Emi Martinez leaves.
United could offer former Burnley No 1 Tom Heaton a Sean Dyche reunion at Everton as part of any deal.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
Although the Toffees are already lining up a shock swoop for Leeds keeper Joel Robles.
Dyche wants competition for the No 1 position and Spaniard Robles is on his radar.
Robles was in Leeds’ side at the end of the season and impressed despite their Prem relegation.
The experienced keeper, 32, was at Everton from 2013-2018 and would give Dyche genuine cover.
Asmir Begovic is leaving Goodison while Andy Lonergan has been offered a new contract.
Everton can pick up Robles for nothing as he only signed a one-year deal at Leeds and would not be expensive in terms of wages.
Begovic, 35, is wanted by Fulham and Premier League new-boys Luton — where he would have a better chance of a game.
MAN UTD TAKEOVER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest purchase and transfer news from Old Trafford