David James believes Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford would improve Manchester United’s team if he were to make the switch to Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old, who has 48 caps for England, has been linked with rivals Chelsea recently but James says United would be a better club to join:

“Would he go to Chelsea? Kepa has shown that he’s capable of being a top player in a top team. Why not Manchester United? Jordan Pickford plays for Everton and Manchester United are just down the road. If he went there, his off-field disruption would be minimal compared to whether he moved down to London.”

“If I was to suggest a side that he should go to, and even though Manchester United aren’t playing in the Champions League at the moment, if they signed somebody like Jordan Pickford then you could argue that would give them the ability to compete at a better level.”

United could well be looking for a new number one in the summer. David De Gea’s contract expires in June but, even though there is an option to extend the Spaniard’s stay at Old Trafford for another year, manager Erik ten Hag may still opt to let him leave.

Whether Pickford will come under consideration as a potential replacement, though, it is hard to say. The former Sunderland keeper is decent with the ball at his feet so he could fit ten Hag’s style of play. However, from the sound of things, the club’s main target is likely to be Porto’s Diogo Costa.