Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is fast emerging as one of the bright young prospects for the England national team. And unsurprisingly, he has been linked with Tottenham and Manchester United, according to the reports from Sunderland Echo. The two clubs are keeping close tabs on the 22-year-old, who has emerged as a real alternative for Hugo Lloris.

Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris is reportedly in a stand-off with the chairman Daniel Levy over the new contract. The Frenchman has a contract with the club until the summer of 2019. Since he would have less than two years on his deal once the season concludes, he is thought to be keen on extending his deal. However, ‘hard negotiator’ Daniel Levy is unsurprisingly not ready to pay the demands made by Lloris and his camp. As a result, contract talks have been put on hold.

Levy has also been using the same tactics with top striker Harry Kane, although the forward has over three years left on the contract that he recently signed.

Pickford got his major break in the Sunderland team when Vito Mannone, the former Arsenal goalkeeper, suffered an elbow injury, which ruled him out of action for almost 2 months. Despite being only 22, Pickford has already made nine league appearances which include some eye-catching performances against the likes of Tottenham and West Brom.

His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, as Pickford was amongst the England substitutes in the 3-0 win over Scotland. Manager Gareth Southgate clearly elected to go with the more experienced Joe Hart for this crucial World Cup 2018 qualifier.

Former Everton striker Victor Anichebe, who plays with Pickford, has recently been speaking in glowing terms of the young goalkeeper. Some of the main attributes of the 22-year-old – like distribution of the ball and the shot-stopping ability – have certainly not gone unnoticed. Anichebe as quoted by Shieldsgazette said:

“Jordan, you can all see is a top young goalkeeper. Some of the saves he makes and his distribution; it is incredible.”

Manchester United are thought to be one of the admirers of Pickford. Even though David de Gea recently signed a new contract to stay with the club until the summer of 2019, fresh transfer rumours have cropped up linking the Spaniard with a move to Madrid once again. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the 26-year-old, there is a very good possibility that United may increase their interest in the Sunderland goalkeeper.

Spurs have a great tradition of bringing through young English players in the best possible way. This may actually work in favour of the London outfit. As Hugo Lloris is fast approaching his 30s – which is still a great age for a goalkeeper – there is a possibility that Spurs may consider replacing him with Pickford.

Anichebe has praised Jordan as an “incredible” keeper