Journalist Simon Phillips says that 'sources do expect' Jordan Pickford to leave Everton in the summer, as opposed to the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Pickford linked with Everton exit

Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Chelsea are among a number of clubs who have been credited with an interest in the goalkeeper from the summer until now, with his contract at Goodison Park set to expire in 2024.

With no trophies to his name at 28 years of age, the Merseyside club may not be able to match his ambitions in the future, as they sit just outside of the relegation zone and in danger of another battle to stay in the Premier League.

The Latest: Summer departure?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Phillips has said that, although there is 'still a chance' that Pickford signs a new deal at Everton, 'sources' expect him to leave in the summer.

The journalist stated: “There’s still a chance he signs a new deal. (Frank)  Lampard will try and do the same as what he did with (Anthony) Gordon and try and convince him to stay. Again, the players respect Lampard a lot, so there is that element involved.

“But I think Pickford will probably be weighing up his options now and seeing where he can go. A lot of sources do expect him to be leaving probably in the summer rather than January.”

The Verdict: Inevitable

It just seems inevitable that Pickford will leave Everton over the next year, which will come as a worry to Frank Lampard and his team as the goalkeeper would be very difficult to replace.

Hailed as a 'real leader' with 'world class' distribution by sport SEO editor Nick Emms, he has been Everton's Player of the Year twice, including last season as he helped to keep them in the top flight.

At the World Cup in Qatar, Pickford kept three clean sheets in a row for England as he helped them to reach the quarter-finals, where they were knocked out by eventual finalists France.

He has shown on many occasions that he deserves to be playing at the highest level, and a move away from Goodison Park may be needed in order to match his ambitions.