Man Utd close on Pickford as De Gea replacement

Stuart Telford

• 18 Jun 2023 08:08 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of England No.1 Jordan Pickford as David de Gea's replacement, with Everton powerless to keep him.

Whilst a new No.9 remains Erik ten Hag's top transfer priority at Old Trafford this summer, he also has a problem in goal with De Ge the incumbent No.1.

The Spaniard has been a loyal club servant who won the Premier League Golden Glove last season for his 17 clean sheets, but his ability on the ball - important in the modern game - remains questionable at best.

READ: De Gea heading for Man Utd EXIT as contract talks stall

De Gea has also thus far refused to extend a contract which expires at the end of June, United having offered him a two-year deal but one which slashes his wages from £375,000 per week to £200,000.

Too much of a Cost-a

Porto's Diogo Costa had been top of Ten Hag's wish list, but the Portugal goalkeeper signed a new deal with his club in November which includes a €75m release clause.

"Manchester United are preparing a £45 million bid for Jordan Pickford," report the Daily Star - a significant saving on any Costa deal. "The England keeper is [now] top of Erik ten Hag's list of potential replacements for David de Gea."

READ: EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham make Pickford move but England keeper wants TWO assurances

Pickford is valued at €43.5m (£37.2m) by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, so such a projected fee would seem reasonable, especially as Everton are under pressure to sell.

Although the Toffees maintained their Premier League status at the back end of last season, they have the highest wage bill outside of the top six and manager Sean Dyche has been told the club will look to balance the books this summer.

Pickford is on £100,000 a week at Everton and can expect to double that at Old Trafford. United are expected to trigger the one-year option in De Gea's existing contract before selling him to the highest bidder this summer.