According to reports in The Sun, West Ham have joined the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton in the race to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Irons are said to be looking for competition for Darren Randolph and Adrian between the sticks this summer with the duo both coming under scrutiny for some of their performances this season.

They are now set to join a number of their Premier League rivals in being interested in Pickford, who has quickly become one of the most coveted players in the division.

How good has he been?

Despite playing for the side that is bottom of the league and on the verge of being relegated to the Championship, Pickford has done his best to help his team out.

He has made a number of brilliant saves in 22 league appearances, and his command of his penalty area his particularly impressive considering he is just 23 years of age.

He’s English so he’s going to be expensive, right?

It depends what you call expensive.

The story suggests the keeper would cost around £15m if the Mackems are relegated – which is looking even more likely following their 3-0 defeat against Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on Sunday that has left them 10 points from safety.

In this day of riduclous transfer fees – and for a player that could be the Irons’ first-choice stopper for a number of years – it might actually be a very good investment.

Can West Ham win the race?

It will be difficult.

Pickford could prefer a move to Arsenal and Manchester City to play European football, but he would have to be aware that he might not be number one at those clubs.

He certainly would be if he joined the Hammers or Everton though, so it could come down to a straight choice between the two.

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