Jordan Pickford in talks to extend Everton contract

England number one Jordan Pickford is in talks to extend his Everton contract.

Although there is uncertainty as to who might own the Merseyside club before the start of this season, there is agreement at executive and management level that their goalkeeper’s terms need renewal.

It will be a timely reward for the 28-year-old who was critical to the Merseyside club fending off the threat of relegation in May.

Pickford’s current Goodison deal runs until 2024 and Everton want to tie him down for the peak years of his career.

The keeper has been in the form of his life for the last few months, reaffirming his status as England’s first choice keeper heading into a World Cup season.

Some of his performances at the climax to last season ranked among his finest.

One especially memorable save to deny Cesar Azpilicuata in a crucial Everton victory over Chelsea proved a turning point in Everton's survival quest.

Pickford’s England position has been consistently questioned. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and new Newcastle United signing Nick Pope have put pressure on Pickford’s international position.

But the Everton man has responded and a deal will be a statement that Pickford is among the Goodison assets who will not be sold this summer, regardless of the club’s financial situation.

Speaking to Telegraph Sport in May, Pickford said his consistency owed much to his use of a psychologist, enabling him to cut out the avoidable errors.

He also admitted he is a more mature footballer nowadays.

“You have to have a radar of what you are doing. You’re England number one, you have got added responsibilities,” he said.

“You want to have that enjoyment but it has to be at the right time being a footballer.

“You learn from your mistakes in the past, maybe I got involved in stuff a few years ago when I was a bit younger, but you mature as you get older. And you learn.”