Pundit ‘surprised’ by Tottenham as ‘exceptional’ Lloris replacement lined up
Antonio Conte wants Jordan Pickford to join him at Tottenham because of his “exceptional” distribution.
That is the view of former Sunderland and England striker Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about reported interest from Spurs in the 27-year-old.
According to The Telegraph (18 November), Tottenham have set their sights on signing the Everton number one.
The news comes amid growing uncertainty over the future of Hugo Lloris, who has just seven months left on his contract in north London.
Everton paid Sunderland £30million to sign Pickford in July 2017.
The England number one has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Goodison Park.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the transfer report, Phillips said: “I think Conte wants Jordan because of his distribution.
“It’s exceptional at times. He can ping it with that left foot and drop it straight into centre-forwards. There is no issues with that.
“I am surprised though, if I’m being honest. Why would you not do everything to keep Lloris? At least for another season.
“If they are going to go for someone else, Jordan Pickford is proven at the top level. He is England’s number one. He is a quality goalkeeper.
“As I say, I think his distribution is the reason why Conte wants him.”
Pickford has kept just three clean sheets in 11 appearances this season.
He has been capped by England 42 times.
In other news, Tottenham have been tipped to complete three new signings after Kieran Maguire’s ‘£400million’ reveal.