Everton stopper Pickford agrees new contract at Goodison

Jordan Pickford has agreed a new contract with Everton — ending speculation over a switch to another Premier League side. 

The England keeper, 28, who was due to enter the last 12 months of his current deal this summer, had been linked with a host of clubs including Tottenham. 

But he has agreed to stay at Goodison Park despite the club's perilous position towards the foot of the table — though the extension has yet to be signed.

Pickford, a £30million signing from Sunderland in 2017, has made 222 appearances for the Toffees and boss Sean Dyche believes he can continue to improve.

Dyche, 51, said: "He’s a very, very good player, a good servant to this football club so far and he's going to continue to be that.

"I think it's a sign he's enjoying our new regime and he's accepting of what we're looking to offer. He's been a fantastic player, so we want that to continue.

"Any way we can rub off on him and help him continue his development will be great if he feels there is stuff and I think there is."

Dyche, who has taken six points from nine since replacing Frank Lampard at the end of January, revealed the Toffees were continuing to look at the contract situations of several players.

The likes of Alex Iwobi and Conor Coady are thought to be next in line for new deals.

Dyche added: "I'm three weeks in. It feels like 17 months but I'm still new to it.

"We're assessing every situation. Some have been ongoing like Jordan's but I've been put in line with that and asked my opinion quite obviously.

"But we're looking at all situations because we've got to make sure all the good players we want to be here are still here."

Dyche has won both of his home games in charge so far — either side of defeat in the Merseyside derby at Liverpool — and will look to make it three in a row when Aston Villa visit Goodison on Saturday.

The Toffees sit 16th in the table ahead of welcoming Unai Emery's men, just a point clear of the drop zone.