‘Lot of interest’: Chelsea now keen on £100k-a-week man, he’s Tottenham’s top transfer target – journalist

By Ben Evans

The Premier League finally returns today, with Tottenham Hotspur kicking off proceedings against Brentford.

Antonio Conte will have a few key players missing after their late involvement in the World Cup.

There’s also less than a week until the transfer window reopens, and Simon Phillips, via Give Me Sport, has an update on a Tottenham target.

Spurs have been brilliant in the transfer market since manager Antonio Conte arrived at the club.

The likes of Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski have been exceptional since arriving in north London.

It means that any players identified by the Italian should be seriously considered by Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy.

One player who has been linked with Tottenham recently is Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

England’s number one has had a good season with the Toffees, and kept three clean sheets in five matches.

A report from TuttoMercatoWeb suggested that Pickford is Tottenham’s top target to replace goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the summer.

However, Phillips now believes Chelsea want to sign Pickford.

This could make Tottenham’s pursuit of the £100k-a-week keeper much more difficult.

Chelsea now want to sign Pickford

Speaking to Give Me Sport about the 28-year-old, Phillips said: “He’s got a lot of interest. Tottenham, even Chelsea have been linked to him recently

“I know that there is interest from Chelsea’s side as well, but there are a number of clubs.”

Pickford is well known for being a brilliant passer of the ball, and can pull off some spectacular saves.

However, he was criticised for his distribution by Fabio Capello during the World Cup.

Lloris is now 36 years old, and Tottenham are right to start thinking about a replacement.

Pickford’s a natural leader on the pitch, and excels where the Frenchman doesn’t on the ball.

However, Lloris is one of the best shot stoppers in world football, something Pickford hasn’t always excelled at.

Now that Chelsea also want Pickford, Spurs may think twice about making an approach.

There are plenty of young goalkeepers out there that they could look at as an alternative.

Another they’ve been linked with is Illan Meslier, who is significantly younger than Pickford, and has plenty of time to continue improving.