London: Everton have agreed a 30 million pounds (Dh140.1 million) deal to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, according to British media reports on Tuesday.
Pickford, 23, was Everton manager Ronald Koeman’s top target to take over from Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles, who both endured inconsistent spells last season.
Sunderland have accepted an offer from Everton, who could rise to pound 30 million with various add-ons included in the package.
England Under-21 international Pickford was one of the few bright spots as Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League last season.
He earned a call-up to England’s senior ranks in October and has represented the country at each of the six youth levels from Under-16 upwards.
Should the terms of each of the add-ons be met, Pickford would become Everton’s record signing, eclipsing the pound 28 million they paid for Romelu Lukaku in 2014.
The fee is short of the pound 35 million Manchester City parted with earlier in the close-season to land Brazilian keeper Ederson, though Pickford would be the most expensive British goalkeeper ever.
That honour currently belongs to Southampton’s Fraser Forster, who cost pound 10 million in 2014 when he signed from Celtic.
