Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has backed Tottenham Hotspur to sign Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in 2023.

The Lowdown: Lloris replacement?

As per TEAMtalk, Spurs want to replace Hugo Lloris at the end of the season, and are targeting Pickford as well as Brentford shot-stopper David Raya as potential replacements.

Chelsea are also reportedly interested in Pickford, whose contract at Goodison Park is up in 2024.

The Latest: Pickford exit backed

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that there is '100%' a deal to be done between Tottenham and Everton for Pickford, admitting that he 'can't see' the 28-year-old staying at the Merseyside club beyond next year:

“When you’re losing a player of Lloris’ experience and quality, you’ve got to look for that international-grade replacement.

“I can’t see Jordan Pickford staying at Everton. He’s been loyal to them.

“They stayed in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth last season, it’s going to be another battle this season.

“I think these kinds of top-quality players deserve to be at a top club.

“Pickford deserves to be fighting for honours. Spurs haven’t quite done that just yet, but it’d be a massive step in the right direction.

“Top players should be playing in the Champions League – and Everton aren’t going to do that.

“They need the money, as well, to make signings of their own. There is 100% a deal to be done here.”

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The Verdict: Worrying

Spurs and Chelsea's interest in Pickford will certainly be worrying for Toffees supporters.

The 'keeper, who earned his 46th cap for England in their 6-2 win over Iran in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has not won a major trophy in his career at 28, and would likely get a better chance at the traditional 'big six' sides.

He finds himself in a relegation battle again with the Blues sitting just one point and one place above the relegation zone in the Premier League, and may be considering a move away with so little time left on his contract.

Nonetheless, unless Everton can start to match Pickford's ambitions, it is likely that he will leave over the next year.