Chelsea will be scouting Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the World Cup, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Sanchez alternative

The Premier League shot-stopper was named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad to represent England in Qatar, and started in the 6-2 win against Iran this afternoon.

The Blues have been linked to Brighton’s Robert Sanchez given Graham Potter’s connection to the club, though it appears that the boss now has his sights set on a different target who he’d like to bring to Stamford Bridge.

The Latest: Chelsea eyeing Pickford

According to The Sun, Chelsea ‘will watch’ Pickford at the World Cup over the course of the next few weeks, with Todd Boehly on the lookout ‘for a new keeper’.

The Three Lions star is said to have ‘been put firmly’ on the club’s radar, and they are ‘keen’ to sign a new first-choice with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy having ‘yet to convince’ the fresh staff.

The Toffees ‘could sell’ the 28-year-old to get a big wage off their books, and it’s believed that the chance to compete at the top end of the table ‘would appeal’.

The Verdict: Mendy replacement

Mendy isn’t getting any younger (30), and so if Chelsea are looking for a long-term replacement, Pickford would be the perfect candidate.

Dubbed ‘unreal’ by journalist Declan Carr, the 6 foot colossus has kept an impressive 113 clean sheets in 394 career appearances, and is someone who of course will already be used to playing in English football.

Pickford still has two years remaining on his contract so it won’t come cheap to prize him away, though this is a move that he could hardly refuse should the opportunity arise.