Manchester United: Red Devils set for Jordan Pickford transfer battle

Manchester United are set for a battle with rival Premier League clubs if they want to sign Jordan Pickford in the summer, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey.
The Lowdown: De Gea’s future
There has been speculation over the future of David de Gea, with the goalkeeper’s contract currently set to expire at the end of the season, providing Man United do not activate the option for a further year.
The 32-year-old is said to be in advanced talks about extending his stay at Old Trafford, but with nothing yet confirmed, the Red Devils have continued to be linked with replacements.
The Latest: United eyeing Pickford
Bailey has now provided TEAMtalk with an update on United’s interest in the Everton shot-stopper, saying: “Despite Everton’s struggles in recent years there is little doubting Pickford’s quality and he has kept his England slot which signals the regard he is held in, and not only by England boss Gareth Southgate.
“As it stands, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester United could all be on the look out for new number ones and Pickford is admired by them all.
“Pickford is about to turn 29 and if he wants a big move, this summer could very well be his big chance.”
The Verdict: Get it done?
Lauded as a ‘real leader’ with ‘world class distribution’ by journalist Nick Emms, the 28-year-old is having a solid season with the Toffees, averaging a 7.05 match rating in the Premier League, the fourth-highest figure of any player in the squad.
There are also plenty of indications that the former Sunderland man would be an upgrade on De Gea, averaging a better save percentage, as well as a higher crosses stopped percentage than the Spaniard per 90 over the course of the past year.
That said, the level of interest in Pickford could mean that any potential suitor has to shell out a lot of money, while United’s current keeper has been hailed as ‘fantastic‘ earlier this season, so they are in no dire need of bringing in someone new, and the funds would be better spent elsewhere.
