Manchester United linked with fresh move for Sunderland goalkeeper

The Sun are reporting the Old Trafford club are chasing a new keeper to eventually replace player of the year David De Gea - and England Under-21 star Pickford is on their radar.

Pickford has been linked with several Premier League sides since his stunning form on loan at Championship side Preston North End at the start of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have also previously been linked with a move for Pickford, who signed a new long-term contract in January to stay at the Stadium of Light until 2020.

Pickford’s previous contract at Sunderland was due to expire in 2018, but he penned fresh terms on a two-year contract extension.

Sunderland wouldn't welcome any bids for Pickford, with the Washington-born stopper earmarked as the club's long-term number one goalkeeper.

The 22-year-old, currently away with England Under-21s at the Toulon Tournament, was recalled early from his loan spell at Preston after catching the eye of Sam Allardyce.

Pickford joined Preston on a season-long loan last summer, keeping 13 clean sheets in 27 appearances during the first half of the campaign, to establish himself in the England Under-21 side.

That form saw Pickford attract attention from the likes of Manchester United and Spurs, with United again linked with the youngster over the weekend.

Allardyce has previously labelled Pickford an "exceptional talent" and he competed with Vito Mannone after Costel Pantilimon was sold in January.

Mannone was named Allardyce's number one but Pickford was handed his full debut against Arsenal in the FA Cup and has also played Premier League games against Spurs and in the season-finale at Watford.