According to Sky Sports, if Thibaut Courtois joins Real Madrid this summer, then Chelsea will aim to replace him with Everton’s Jordan Pickford.

Courtois has long been linked with a switch to the Spanish giants, and the transfer could well finally come to pass during this transfer window. In which case, the above report claims, the Blues would move to make Everton's Jordan Pickford their new no. 1.

Pickford only joined the Toffees last summer, but after a summer in which he shone for England at the World Cup, he could be set for another move already.

Losing Pickford would undoubtedly be a blow for Everton, but given how high the 24-year-old’s stock is right now, and considering his homegrown status, the Merseyside outfit would stand to make a significant profit on the shot-stopper.

The funds raised would then likely be immediately used to bring a new first choice ‘keeper to Goodison Park. A smart choice of target in such a scenario would be Stoke City’s Jack Butland.

The Breakdown

Bringing Butland to Everton would of course be a case of replacing the England no. 1 with Gareth Southgate’s second choice goalkeeper. However, if Butland is to ever force his way into contention for being England’s first choice, then he needs to get out of Stoke City, who are now a Championship club following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

Going down with Stoke shouldn’t disguise the fact that Butland is a top class ‘keeper. Also, due to his relegation woes, he’ll likely be available on an affordable deal.

If Pickford is prised away from Everton this summer, Butland represents the club’s best realistic option for replacing him effectively.