Everton 'set sights' on Aaron Ramsdale deal as long-term Jordan Pickford plan revealed
Everton are considering a move to sign Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to strengthen the depth of their squad.
The 28-year-old has fallen well down the pecking order at Southampton and has yet to make an appearance since returning from his season-long loan spell at Newcastle.
As a result, he is expected to become available in the January transfer window, and Everton are the latest club to show an interest in bringing him back to the Premier League.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton could target Ramsdale as part of long-term plans to replace Jordan Pickford amid doubts about his future.
Pickford has been linked with big-money moves away from Everton in recent weeks, notably with Bayern Munich interested, and could move on sooner than expected.
Even if Pickford remains at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, though, there is a feeling that added depth and planning for a future without the 32-year-old could be important for Everton.
Could Everton make a move for Aaron Ramsdale?
Brown told Football Insider last month that Ramsdale has a number of potential suitors in the Premier League and is almost certain to leave Southampton in January.
Everton have emerged among those suitors, and could look to bring the goalkeeper in regardless of Pickford's future to strengthen the position.
While it is unclear whether Ramsdale would make a move to become a second-choice goalkeeper, it would be a better situation to the one he is currently in at Southampton.
"Aaron Ramsdale is definitely going to be one to watch, whether that's with Everton or somewhere else," Brown told Football Insider.
"The Everton thing is interesting, because obviously Jordan Pickford has been linked with a move away, so maybe that's something Everton want to be preparing for.
"They'll be looking at a number of goalkeepers just in case he does leave, but even if he stays, he's 32 now and it's a position they could do with strengthening long-term.
"Ramsdale could be a good option in that case, because regardless of what's happening at Southampton, he's shown in the past he can be a very good goalkeeper.
"I'm not sure it would be the best move for him to come in and be the number two to Jordan Pickford, who plays every game, but it's better than being number four at Southampton."
What is the latest on Jordan Pickford's future?
Speculation about Everton's goalkeeper position comes after reports claimed Bayern Munich have been keeping a close eye on Pickford's performances recently.
Brown told Football Insider on 28 September that Pickford could be tempted away from Everton if Bayern Munich formalise their offer given the stature of the club.
He is believed to be happy under David Moyes and remains a crucial part of the side, but will find it difficult to turn down interest from one of the world's biggest clubs.
However, the Bundesliga champions have since distanced themselves from a move for the England shot-stopper, despite putting plans in place to replace Manuel Neuer.
The 32-year-old has been a mainstay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium since his move from Sunderland in 2017, and has missed just 11 Premier League games in that period.