EXCLUSIVE
Everton face being forced to sell England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford if their proposed takeover deal collapses, talkSPORT understands.
The Toffees have had to borrow another £16million from prospective new owners 777 Partners to help pay their latest wage bill and have now loaned a total of £200million from the Miami-based investment company.
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Despite current owner Farhad Moshiri being confident the deal will go through, there are ongoing doubts about whether 777 will pass the Premier League’s owners and directors test, meaning the threat of administration hangs over the club.
Along with Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite, Pickford is Everton’s most valuable asset and is believed to be on Chelsea’s radar as they look for a new No.1 next season.
Pickford, who was considered by United before they signed Andre Onana, is under contract at Goodison Park until 2027.
The 30-year-old is in his seventh season at Goodison Park having signed from Sunderland in 2017 in a £30million deal.
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He has since kept 75 clean sheets in 276 appearances for the club and has proved key in their escapes from relegation over the past three years.
Pickford is also seen as England's No.1 goalkeeper and is set to play for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
Chelsea previously held interest in his services, but signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton and Djordje Petrovic from Chicago Fire in the summer.
Sanchez arrived at Stamford Bridge with a depth of Premier League experience to his name during a successful spell with the Seagulls.
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The Spaniard was established as a starter for Mauricio Pochettino but has since been replaced by 24-year-old Petrovic.
Petrovic enjoyed an impressive start in between the sticks and has made a total of 26 appearances, keeping five clean sheets.
However, Chelsea could opt to bring in a more experienced option in the summer, with Pickford a potential outgoing at Everton amid their takeover uncertainty.