Reported Everton target Freddie Woodman could be the perfect man to challenge out-of-sorts Jordan Pickford for club and country

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Jordan Pickford was named Everton’s Player of the Season in the 2017/18 campaign before starring for England at the World Cup last summer.

But his performance levels have dipped this season and a number of high profile errors have been costly for Everton.

It is clear that Pickford is suffering from a lack of goalkeeping competition with Maarten Stekelenburg and the academy stoppers unlikely to replace him between the sticks.

The 25-year-old needs some genuine competition to squeeze the best out of his game and to get him back to his best.

This is why a move for Newcastle United’s Freddie Woodman makes sense. Disillusioned by his role at Newcastle, Everton have been scouting the youngster ahead of a potential move, as per The Chronicle.

The 22-year-old has only played three matches this season – all of which have come in the FA Cup – and Karl Darlow’s return from injury has seen him drop out of the match day squad.

Woodman has to compete with Darlow, Rob Elliot and Martin Dubravka so first-team chances at Newcastle are slim.

With one year left to run on his contract, a move to Everton could appeal to the England under-21 international, who has proven his quality on loan in the lower leagues and in the Scottish Premiership.

Woodman is seen as a future star for England and he could push Pickford at both club and country level if he joins Everton.

With this healthy competition, both Woodman and Pickford could take their careers to the next level for the Toffees and the Three Lions.