Chelsea linked as Everton mull over surprise England international’s exit

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Chelsea have been cited as an interested party after Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly considered axing an England international.

The Toffees endured a miserable campaign, compounded by bitter rivals Liverpool lifting their first Premier League title.

A staple of their woes came in the form of defensive errors, with no player more guilty than England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

His dip in form came as a surprise to many after rising to become England’s number one just a few short years ago.

Pickford became the hero after saving a penalty in a World Cup shootout versus Colombia, but the ensuing years haven’t brought about the same levels of performance.

Now, according to The Sun (via The Star) Everton boss Ancelotti is weighing up whether to wield the axe.

The publication state that the Italian is ‘searching for a new No1’ after failing to be convinced by Pickford.

Issues with concentration and consistency are cited, with Pickford seen as somewhat of a liability if the club are to achieve their European qualification objectives.

Somewhat surprisingly, Chelsea are name checked as an interested party should Pickford depart.

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The Blues are familiar with struggles in the goalkeeping department themselves, with £71.6 million-man Kepa experiencing his own difficulties.

Atletico’s Jan Oblak recently roused speculation over his future following his latest comments. But with a fee of £30m cited, Pickford would represent a far cheaper alternative should Chelsea decide to move on from Kepa.

 

Chelsea target set for spell abroad

Manchester United will look to loan Dean Henderson out again this summer – but it could be abroad, rather than to a Premier League rival.

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who suggest that the England Under-21 keeper could sign a new contract at Old Trafford.

Other Premier League clubs have also outlined Henderson as a potential target. Chelsea, for example, are looking to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga.

However, the Mail say it is “unlikely” that United would let Henderson join a direct rival – with Arsenal also interested. In fact, the report claims Henderson could be more likely to go abroad.

Read the full story here.