EVERTON boss Sean Dyche wants England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to be put on a new deal as a priority.
Dyche believes Pickford, 28, must stay as No 1 at Goodison — despite interest in him and his current contract ending in 2024.
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Pickford has not been offered a rise from his £5million-a-year terms — but Dyche is keen for his money men to deliver the deal he wants.
The Toffees will have to stay up before anything can be formalised.
Everton boosted those hopes with a 1-0 win against Premier League leaders Arsenal last week.
However, their next test against rivals Liverpool may prove to be too hot to handle in just Dyche’s second game in charge.
Positive results for Wolves and West Ham this weekend have not helped the situation either.
Top four chasers Tottenham and Manchester United are the sides said to be interested in striking a deal for Pickford.
Last month SunSport revealed Pickford was in a deadlock with the club in contract negotiations.
Pickford wants a pay rise to double his £100,000-a-week wages.
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A source told SunSport: “Jordan wants to stay at Everton.
“He loves the place, and is settled in the area he lives. But the club is not willing to meet the wage increase he is asking for.
“The player and his agent have asked Bill Kenwright and the board to at least meet them halfway.
“But the club is only willing to offer him a few thousand a week more than he’s currently earning.
“The big problem they have is, of course, the fact that relegation is looming over their heads.
“It means they can’t be budgeting for big wage increases when they might be in the Championship in 12 months time.
“Despite the risk of going down, Jordan is still willing to commit his future to the club now.”
