David Moyes warns Jordan Pickford about leaving Sunderland for a bench role
Monday 8 May 2017 07:18, UK
David Moyes has warned Jordan Pickford that he will put his development at risk if he leaves Sunderland for a bench role in the Premier League.
The goalkeeper has been one of the few shining lights in a desperately disappointing campaign for Sunderland, who will play in the Sky Bet Championship next season following relegation from the top flight.
A host of Premier League clubs have already been reportedly linked with summer moves for Pickford, but Moyes insists Sunderland will not be forced into selling the 23-year-old.
"At the moment, I really wouldn't know," Moyes said when asked about Pickford's future. "Obviously it's up to the club.
"If Jordan was to go elsewhere and not be the No 1, that wouldn't be good for him because that would affect his progress.
"You can see what he does for us with the saves he makes. He's been outstanding from day one."
Pickford received his first senior England call-up last October and, despite missing two months of the season due to a knee injury, was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year.
He is currently committed to Sunderland until July 2020 having signed a new four-and-a-half year deal at the Stadium of Light in January 2016.
Asked if Pickford being a Sunderland fan would be in their favour, Moyes said: "I think that would be a telling factor if the alternative was to go and sit on the bench somewhere else.
"If I was Jordan I wouldn't do that, I'd want to be playing regularly but again Sunderland hold his contract and Jordan can't go anywhere unless we decide to let it happen."
