Bayern Munich target Jordan Pickford has been urged to stay at Everton by the man who made him a Premier League regular.
David Moyes, who promoted Pickford to Sunderland?s first-choice keeper in the 2016-17 season, says it would be “stupid” for the youngster to leave Goodison Park 12 months after joining the club.
Pickford’s stock has risen following a string of excellent displays for England at the World Cup in Russia, where he helped his nation to an unexpected semi-final berth.
Bayern were reportedly tracking Pickford throughout the tournament and will have been impressed by his performances.
The 24-year-old’s chances of making the switch to the Bundesliga giants have lessened in recent days and Moyes says Pickford should stay put at least for now.
The former Everton boss told The Sun: “I think Everton is the right club for Jordan. It’s a big club, he’s only just moved and I would say to him it would be stupid to even consider another move if there was to be an option for him.
“I think it will help him being at Everton because he will get enough work and he’s got a chance to develop without every single thing he does being scrutinized.
“He is still young and he just needs to keep getting his games in. The last thing he needs to bother about is any speculation.”
Pickford was a rare success in the transfer market for Everton last summer, going on to win the club?s player-of-the-season award as the Toffees finished eighth in the Premier League.
German champions Bayern are believed to be looking for a long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer, now 32, after he missed much of last season due to injury.
If Pickford to be sold, Everton would undoubtedly be able to recoup more than their initial £25million outlay, but it would be an unpopular decision with the club?s fans, who have yet to see any squad additions this summer.
