Everton have agreed a loan deal with National League North side Southport for goalkeeper George Pickford.
The Friedkin Group have had an eye on Pickford’s current contract situation at Everton having already protected a number of young assets on Merseyside.
George Morgan departed Everton for AS Cannes on a short-term loan deal for the remainder of the season just a matter of days ago.
Before the young striker left Finch Farm, Everton made sure that Morgan inked a new deal that would take his stint at the club through until 2028.
Everton have enjoyed some success in recent months with their young prospects departing on various loan deals.
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Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
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Harrison Armstrong shone on loan at Preston North End, with a hope that more players, like Pickford, could potentially follow in his footsteps.
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Everton approve George Pickford loan from Southport
According to Everton, Southport and the Blues have agreed a loan deal for Pickford for the remainder of the season.
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Pickford has enjoyed an impressive season with Everton’s U21s, where he has been able to keep more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper.
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Everton's Braiden Graham inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton. Everton midfielder Malik Olayiwola. Justin Clarke of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Accrington Stanley and Everton.
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No other goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets than Pickford’s six in the Premier League 2 this term.
Having been called up to senior training earlier this season, Pickford impressed Everton’s first-team coaches at Finch Farm.
The 19-year-old is yet to play any senior football, though, which is why a loan deal may appeal a lot to all parties.
Armstrong grew physically and mentally whilst playing Championship football with Preston for the first half of the season.
The step up to Premier League football would be a huge ask for a young goalkeeper, with a non-league loan perhaps the perfect eye-opener for Pickford.
A loan to Southport would also mean the youngster would not have to worry about uprooting from Merseyside.
Everton lock down Pickford to new contract before loan exit
Pickford only had a matter of months remaining on his current contract ahead of its expiration in the summer.
Everton have already proven under The Friedkin Group that they want to lock down their young talents and avoid any free agent departures.
Morgan inked his deal ahead of his move to Cannes, who are also owned by the Friedkins, which is why it’s no surprise to see Pickford ink a new deal until 2028.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper has been in excellent form this season in the Premier League 2 and is not the type of player that Everton will want to lose.
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