Sean Dyche 'ready to axe Jordan Pickford as Everton goalkeeper' and replacement will shock the Premier League

Everton manager Sean Dyche is reportedly considering whether to replace Jordan Pickford after his side's nightmare start to the season.

The Toffees have lost all four of their opening Premier League games, having given up 2-0 leads against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

Dyche has been criticised by fans for his selection of certain players and his perceived lack of flexibility when it comes to tactics and substitutions.

Their 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday was another hammer blow for Everton, who are bottom of the Premier League.

And while he has been the last player Toffees fans have blamed for their current predicament, Dyche is reportedly ready to make a shock decision and replace Pickford between the sticks.

That's according to The Sun's Alan Nixon, who claims that the Everton boss is debating whether to drop the England number one in January if his form doesn't improve.

And Dyche is said to be targeting Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope - who played for him at Burnley - as a potential replacement.

Dyche has a penchant for reuniting with players he managed at his former club, with ex-Burnley stars James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil both arriving at Goodison Park under his stewardship.

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Another former Claret, Michael Keane, is also a first team regular.

Pope is currently Newcastle's number one, although the Magpies attempted to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford as competition for the England shot-stopper in the summer.

Trafford is reportedly seen as 32-year-old Pope's long-term replacement at St James' Park, but Newcastle ultimately did not complete a move for the England U21 star.

Everton replacing Pickford with Pope could potentially have an impact on the England setup, with Pickford having been the undisputed number one goalkeeper under both Gareth Southgate and now interim manager Lee Carsley.

The 30-year-old Everton star has 70 caps to his name, while Pope - who missed out on selection in the Euro 2024 squad - has collected 10 caps.