Chelsea Transfer News: Jordan Pickford Eyed Amid Thibaut Courtois Rumours

Chelsea have reportedly made Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford their No. 1 target should they lose Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid this summer.

According to Sky Sports News, the England No. 1 ranks above Kasper Schmeichel and Jack Butland as the Blues prepare to potentially lose their Belgian stopper. 

The report noted Chelsea have yet to make an offer to Everton, but it is still unclear whether Chelsea will need to find a replacement No. 1.

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Courtois, 26, has less than a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge and has been widely reported as a key target of Real to replace their current No. 1, Keylor Navas, per The Independent's Ed Malyon. However, a recent report in La Nacion indicated Real are preparing to offer Navas a new contract (h/t ESPN FC).

If the Costa Rica international does stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, it seems highly unlikely Courtois would move to Madrid. Chelsea are clearly preparing for every scenario, though, and Pickford is a high-quality target.

Just 24, the former Sunderland man was one of England's star players as they made it to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 

He also excelled at Everton last term, his first campaign at Goodison Park following a £30 million move from the Black Cats.

He boasts fine distribution skills and excellent shot-stopping abilities, and the fact that he already has plenty of Premier League experience means he would likely adapt quickly at Chelsea.

Everton will be loath to let Pickford go, especially given they have only had him for a season, but Chelsea have the financial muscle and trophy-winning pedigree to attract the Englishman.