"They've looked at" - talkSPORT reporter drops claim on controversial £25m Newcastle target

Newcastle United have looked at Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ahead of the summer transfer window, claims talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

However, given the 28-year-old’s connection to Sunderland, Crook believes a transfer would be difficult.

As per talkSPORT, Everton are ready to listen to offers for Pickford this summer, with Newcastle one club who are thought to be interested in him.

This comes after The Telegraph reported last year that Tottenham were lining up the Englishman as a potential successor to Hugo Lloris.

Interest in Pickford comes as no surprise, as the shot-stopper has been one of Everton’s best performers in what has been a miserable campaign for the Toffees.

His performance in the 1-0 win against Chelsea at the start of the month was particularly impressive, with the Evening Standard hailing his display as “magnificent”.

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While there is interest, Crook thinks Pickford’s Sunderland roots could make a move to St James’ Park tricky.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the talkSPORT journalist said: “Jordan Pickford, I think, is someone they’ve looked at but might be too difficult with the Sunderland connection.

“But yeah, it’d be that calibre of signing [Newcastle make] as opposed to your Robinho-type signing, if you like, when Man City were in the same situation.”

Since joining Everton from Sunderland for £25m back in 2017, Pickford has certainly proven that he is a capable goalkeeper at this level.

“He has been the hero for Everton with the saves he’s made in the last few games. They’ve just been at the right time and absolutely world-class and outstanding,” his former manager Sam Allardyce recently said.