Jordan Pickford issues update on Everton future amid Chelsea transfer interest

Jordan Pickford has given a clear indication he'll remain with Everton despite transfer interest from Chelsea.

The Toffees goalkeeper has been linked with a move to one of their Premier League rivals after one of his more impressive seasons in between the sticks. Pickford helped Everton steer themselves clear of a relegation battle despite them being deducted points.

The Merseysiders ended up finishing 15th with Pickford keeping 13 clean sheets - second only to Arsenal's David Raya. He has been on Chelsea's radar as they look to settle on a goalkeeper, but in a post on social media has underlined his excitement for another year with the club.

He said: "Proud of this team and how we overcame the challenges thrown at us during the season! Can’t wait to kick on and build next season! Thanks for your support throughout the season!"

It was previously reported that, if Everton's proposed takeover falls through, they would have to consider letting Pickford go to balance the books with the threat of administration looming. Pickford remains one of the club's most sellable assets.

Current owner Farhad Moshiri is confident the deal will go through, but there are ongoing doubts about whether 777 will pass the Premier League’s owners and directors test.

Jarrad Branthwaite, who has enjoyed the best season of his career so far, is another player who the club are expected to field offers for this summer. The young centre-half has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and has just received an England call-up.

Pickford's summer will see him head to Germany for the Euros, where he'll be England's No 1. He's established himself as one of the only guarantees in Gareth Southgate's England squad and is expected to play a key role for the Three Lions as they attempt to end their tournament drought.

The goalkeeper has said ahead of the Euros: "Us as players, and I think the manager and the staff, that’s all our goal is, to be focused on winning the European Championship. I think all the noise around anything else will probably come after that. His character has not changed. He’s a top man manager and he’s got a great set of staff around him."