Jordan Pickford is reportedly not locked in a pay dispute with Everton, and instead contract talks have 'deferred' over their uncertain Premier League status.

The Lowdown: Contract dispute?

It was reported on Saturday night that Pickford has not been offered a pay rise to sign a new deal at Goodison Park.

He reportedly wants to double his £100,000-per-week wages in order to stay, with his current contract set to expire in 2024.

The Latest: Pay dispute denied

As per The Liverpool Echo, Everton insiders have insisted that a pay dispute between Pickford and the Merseyside club's chiefs is 'not true'.

Instead, talks have simply been 'deferred' while their Premier League status remains uncertain.

The Verdict: Survival so important

Whether Sean Dyche is able to keep the Toffees in the Premier League or not is going to be so vital in terms of being able to keep Pickford at the club.

They are currently in the relegation zone, but have an opportunity to climb out of it if they can beat bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield tonight.

Despite Everton's struggles, it could be a lot worse for them, as Pickford has made the third-most (75) number of saves of all goalkeepers in the division so far this season.

The Blues will no doubt be desperate to keep the England international in their ranks for as long as they can, and so survival will be key in terms of him signing a new contract.