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          Everton to offer Jordan Pickford new contract amid Chelsea interest - sources

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          • Peter O'Rourke, Transfer correspondentJul 30, 2018, 06:27 AM ET

          Everton are preparing to hand goalkeeper Jordan Pickford a new contract to fend off interest Chelsea, sources have told ESPN FC.

          England goalkeeper Pickford has emerged as a top target for Chelsea should they lose Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid this summer.

          Belgium international Courtois has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid and Chelsea have been drawing up a list of potential replacements which includes Pickford.

          Pickford enhanced his reputation as one of the best young goalkeepers around during the World Cup with England as he helped the Three Lions reach the semifinals in Russia.

          The 24-year-old only joined Everton from Sunderland last summer in a £30 million deal and was one of the club's shining lights in a disappointing campaign for the Goodison Park side.

          Pickford won the fans' and players' Player of the Season awards last season at Everton following an impressive debut season for the club.

          Everton are determined to resist any offers from Chelsea for Pickford and are ready to open talks on a new improved deal despite still having four years to run on his current contract.