Jordan Pickford tops Chelsea shortlist to replace Thibaut Courtois — report

Less than two weeks left in the summer transfer window, and Chelsea have yet to handle the Thibaut Courtois situation. Granted, he’s on vacation following the World Cup (so all of this really should’ve been handled a long time ago), but according to reports, he’s managed to agree personal terms anyway with Real Madrid.

In case he does end up there this summer, Chelsea will need a replacement. The best options are either gone (to Liverpool) or unobtainable (from Atlético Madrid). What’s left? An uninspiring list of options so far, including Jack Butland, Kasper Schmeichel, possibly Gianluigi Donnarumma.

But according to Sky Sports, there is a new name on top of that shortlist, and it’s none other than Everton and England national team goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

It’s an ironic choice, given the amusing little skirmish of words between Courtois and Pickford at the World Cup regarding the latter’s height, but the bigger problem is the part where we’d somehow convince Everton to sell the man they spent £30m on just last summer to be their goalkeeper for the next decade, and who got off to an excellent start in that regard by being named their Player of the Year in his first season. Not to mention, these days £30m only buys you Jack Butland (or a wantaway and un-extendable Thibaut Courtois).

(Ed.note: also, he’s short. Never trust a short goalkeeper, Rule No.511.)