'I WANT TO KEEP IMPROVING'

Pickford says he will never say he is at his peak and reckons he's 'still growing'

- By CHRIS BEESLEY

EVERTON will hope to have Jordan Pickford for his best years as the England number one does not yet believe he is at the peak of his powers. As reported on Friday, the ECHO understands Pickford is open to a new deal with the Blues as the club prepares to begin talks over his future.

The 31-year-old's current contract runs until 2027 but discussions over a new one are believed to be imminent.

The Washington-born player joined Everton from his local club Sunderland in 2017 for a £25million fee that as a record at the time for a British goalkeeper and has only been usurped this summer when James Trafford returned to Manchester City from Burnley.

Shortly after his move to Goodison Park, Pickford made his international debut, keeping a clean sheet in a goalless draw at Wembley against then World Cup holders Germany on November 10 and he has remained undisputed first choice for England ever since.