Jordan Pickford Reportedly Agrees £30M Everton Transfer from Sunderland

Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has reportedly agreed a £30 million move to Everton and is expected to complete the deal when he returns from England under-21 duty at the European Championship. 

BBC Sport reported the transfer has been agreed between the two clubs as the Toffees look to make the most of Sunderland's relegation to the Championship.

Pickford starred between the posts for the Black Cats despite their drop down to England's second tier and has already been called up for England first-team duty by manager Gareth Southgate.

The transfer, if completed, will make Pickford the most expensive British goalkeeper in history, and Sky Sports News HQ reporter Keith Downie provided some further context on what makes up the transfer fee:

Pickford's reported price tag will divide opinion among fans and pundits, although it's important to note he has three years left on his Sunderland contract, which will impact the club's valuation of his signature.

ESPN's Alex Shaw used Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea and his recent transfer speculation as a barometer for Pickford's value, or—at leas tin his eyes—a lack thereof:

Pickford only managed to keep four clean sheets in 29 Premier League appearances last season, but considering the club's futile quest for safety, it's arguable not many stoppers would have fared much better.

Radio City producer and Everton supporter David Downie rallied behind the Toffees' first summer splurge and outlined the long-term potential held by Pickford as the greatest boon of the deal:

Joel Robles and Maarten Stekelenburg each made 21 appearances apiece last term but now appear to have been merely filling a stopgap following Tim Howard's departure from Goodison Park.

Everton have wasted little time to secure a deal for their goalkeeping heir, although Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News was surprised Manchester City's Joe Hart wasn't paid more attention:

Sunderland fans may tell you Everton's interest is well-placed, however, as rather than go for one of England's current stars, the Merseysiders have moved to secure the talents of their No. 1 of tomorrow.

The Black Cats' fall could give way to an Everton rise as manager Ronald Koeman looks to improve upon last season's seventh-placed Premier League finish, with Pickford's acquisition laying the ground for big summer plans.