Everton will be forced to sell England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford if their proposed takeover deal falls through.
The Toffees had to borrow a further £16m from potential new owners 777 Partners to pay their latest wage bill and have now borrowed a total of £200m from the Miami-based investment company.
Photo credit: GettyAlthough current owner Farhad Moshiri is confident the deal will go through, doubts remain over whether 777 will pass the Premier League’s ownership and director test, meaning the club is at risk of bankruptcy.
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 under consideration by United before they signed Andre Onana, is contracted to Goodison Park until 2027.
The 30-year-old is in his seventh season at Goodison Park after signing from Sunderland in a £30million deal in 2017.
Since then, he has kept 75 clean sheets in 276 appearances for the club and has played a crucial role in their escape from relegation over the last three years.
Pickford is also considered England’s No.1 goalkeeper and will play for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
Chelsea previously showed 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 extensive Premier League experience during a successful spell with the Seagulls.
Photo credit: GettyHe could join Pochettino at Chelsea in the summer.
The Spaniard was established as a starter for Mauricio Pochettino but has since been replaced by 24-year-old Petrovic.
Petrovic had an impressive start between the sticks and made 26 appearances in total, keeping five clean sheets.
However, Chelsea could opt to bring in a more experienced option in the summer, with Pickford a potential departure amid takeover uncertainty at Everton.