EVERTON are eyeing a move for Crystal Palace keeper Sam Johnstone – as they fear losing Jordan Pickford to Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag is ready to make a move for Pickford to replace outgoing No 1 David De Gea.
De Gea is United’s top earner on £375,000-a-week and it is unlikely the club will renew the Spaniard’s contract unless it is on reduced terms.
The club have looked at a number of options prior to identifying Pickford as a priority transfer, including Inter Milan’s Andre Onana and Porto’s Diogo Costa.
If United were to sign Pickford, Everton would attempt to land Johnstone, 30, who was on the bench for England in Monday night’s 7-0 thrashing of North Macedonia.
Preston-born Johnstone, who has three England caps and was in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad, joined the Eagles in a free transfer from West Brom last summer.
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The Manchester United youth product worked his way into the first team after Roy Hodgson’s arrival as boss, playing the last nine Prem games.
Johnstone, who has three years left on his Selhurst Park deal, is understood to have a £10m release clause which Everton could move to activate if Pickford does leave.
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And while the keeper is settled in London, his family ties with the north west would make a move to Merseyside easier.
United are looking to strengthen in a number of key positions this summer.
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A new goalkeeper, striker and central midfielder are all priorities ahead of Ten Hag’s second season at the club.
United had hoped to sign Harry Kane this summer but Daniel Levy is unwilling to sell his star man to another English club.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
