Manchester United 'preparing £45m Jordan Pickford bid' and other transfer rumours

Manchester United are reportedly set to submit a £45m bid for Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

The situation between the sticks at Old Trafford is an uncertain issue at present with David de Gea's future up in the air. United confirmed this week they are in talks with their current first choice but Erik ten Hag has been hesitant about the Spaniard keeping his position next year.

With Jack Butland having left and Dean Henderson's future unclear, a new keeper could be needed. According to the Daily Star, Pickford could be the man to fill the role.

It is understood Ten Hag sees Pickford as the perfect option in goal due to his shot stopping abilities and distribution. The newspaper adds manager Sean Dyche has been told he needs to balance the books despite the Toffees avoiding the drop.

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Pickford signed a new deal at Goodison Park in February which commits him to Everton until 2027. United are understood to be convinced the blue half of Merseyside will have to accept the offer as they look to offload players.

Meanwhile, La Liga side Real Betis are reportedly weighing up a move to sign Eric Bailly this summer. The 29-year-old spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 giants Marseille.

After 23 appearances, the French club were unconvinced about making his move permanent and the Ivorian is set to be welcomed back to United this pre-season. According to Mundo Deportivo, Betis' director Ramon Planes is a driving force in his club's interest in Bailly and has been watching him closely.

Despite still being under contract at United, Bailly may have burnt his bridges with United following an interview with The Times in September where he accused the club of bias towards English players