Pickford’s told not to move

JORDAN PICKFORD has been told he could be better off staying at Sunderland – even if they go down.

The Black Cats are almost certain to be in the Championship next season.

And boss David Moyes is bracing himself for interest in his keeper, who has broken into the England squad and is a nominee for PFA Young Player of the Year.

Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are all monitoring the 23-year-old, who has been in outstanding form despite Sunderland’s poor season.

But Moyes believes a move to one of the Premier League elite could prove counterproductive if he spends his time warming the bench.

While team-mate Jermain Defoe will leave to keep his World Cup ® dream alive, Moyes feels Pickford’s international prospects wouldn’t be harmed by staying put.

Moyes said: “What Jordan can’t afford is a year not playing. It would be a backward step if he wasn’t going to be a No.1 keeper.

“I don’t think it would do him any good at all if he was to spend a season as a No.2.”

Cope

Sunderland will need to sell if they go down and Pickford is valued at around £20m.

But Moyes insists it is no foregone conclusion the club will cash in on him, even though he reckons the youngster could cope at the very top.

“The difference with Jordan is he’s young and he’s under contract but he is good enough to play for just about any club,” said Moyes.

“He’s only 23 and maybe needs more maturity before he becomes the absolute real deal. But as long as he keeps himself right and does the right things, he’ll be okay.”

While Pickford’s reputation has grown, on-loan Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj has flopped on Wearside.

Despite Seb Larsson starting a three-match ban today, the Belgian may not be recalled at home to West Ham.

“He’s an incredibly talented footballer and I can see it every day,” said Moyes.

“He’s not performed as well as we’d hoped but maybe there are other reasons for that. I don’t know what the plans are for him.”