Everton are preparing a new contract for World Cup hero Jordan Pickford just one year after he signed for the club to ward off interest from Chelsea, according to the Times.

What's the story, then?

The Times report that England international Pickford has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge to take over from Thibaut Courtois as number one goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge, but Everton have no intention of selling.

They say that the Toffees are prepared to tear up his current deal, despite it having four years left to run, in order to offer him a brand new package that reflects his status as Three Lions' first choice and national icon.

Marco Silva is yet to work with the former Sunderland man but reportedly wants to put the situation to bed and focus on bolstering the left side of his defence with a left-back and a left-sided centre-half.

Everton must act fast

Everton hold all the cards here; they have an asset who is at the peak of his value tied down to a new long-term deal, showing no obvious signs of dissent or forcing a move and the only interest is from a club not currently in the Champions League.

However, there is no point messing around, allowing Pickford to contemplate the riches or European opportunities on offer in west London and risking him getting unsettled.

They need to strike soon, to ward off Chelsea and prove to Pickford that they both understand his new status as a national hero and his worth - he is valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt - as a sought-after young goalkeeper.

Everton probably still need some new additions before the window slams shut on August 9, but tying Pickford down is more important right now.

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