Chelsea-linked star Anthony Gordon isn’t the only Everton player who could be handed a new contract at Goodison Park, as the Toffees are reportedly in discussions with two more of Frank Lampard’s most important players.
Gordon was the subject of multiple Chelsea offers during the summer transfer window. The highest of these came in at £45million, though this was still short of Everton’s asking price. They would only let the winger leave for £60m.
Due to the difference in price, Gordon remained at Everton. His current deal runs until summer 2025 but Lampard’s side are keen to organise an extension to ward off Chelsea and other big clubs.
Lampard confirmed the contract talks on Friday, telling a press conference: “The club are speaking with Anthony and Anthony’s people to see if we can get the right solution.”
Gordon isn’t the only Everton man in line for a contract renewal. Last month, reports emerged stating they were in talks with Pickford over a new deal.
And the Liverpool Echo have given an update in the last week, claiming those negotiations are still underway. That is as much information as they provide, however.
The goalkeeper’s Everton contract expires in 2024. The Merseyside club need to extend his terms this season to prevent him from potentially leaving on the cheap next summer.
Tottenham are reportedly keeping tabs on Pickford’s situation as they hunt for Hugo Lloris’ long-term replacement. Pickford doing well with England at the Qatar World Cup will only heighten Spurs’ interest in him, too.
Jordan Pickford, Alex Iwobi to receive new deals
Everton tying Pickford down to a new contract should put Antonio Conte’s team off. If it fails to do this, it will at least mean Everton can charge Spurs more for the shot-stopper.
The Echo’s Everton contract update mainly focuses on one of Pickford and Gordon’s team-mates. It claims midfielder Alex Iwobi is now at the centre of contract negotiations between Everton and his agent.
The talks are still in their infancy, but Everton are eager to agree fresh terms amid Iwobi’s impressive start to the season.
The 26-year-old has gone from being an unreliable winger to a hard-working and convincing central midfielder.
Lampard trusts Iwobi and has handed him seven appearances in all competitions so far this campaign. This explains why Everton are so keen to organise a new contract.
Like Pickford, Iwobi’s current terms run until 2024. The Nigerian is unlikely to receive as much transfer interest as his keeper, although Everton would still like to prevent an exit.
Now is a good time for clubs, such as Everton, to enter contract discussions with some of their most integral players. The summer window is shut and there are a few months before the January one begins.
Plus, it is now the international break which means club managers can focus a bit on what they want their squads to look like going forward, rather than just on tactics and performances.
Everton fans would likely be very happy if their club managed to tie down Gordon, Pickford and Iwobi for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Lampard said Neal Maupay’s Everton winner against West Ham showed exactly what the Toffees have been missing – a clinical finisher.
